Eight Inches of Snow and the Mets Still Can't Catch a Break in Denver

The New York Mets opened their three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Monday, but Mother Nature might shut the whole thing down before it even gets going. After grinding out a 4-2 win over the Rockies on Monday, the Mets are staring down a winter storm warning that could postpone games and force another doubleheader nightmare.

Tuesday's matchup was already moved up three hours to start at 3:40 p.m. local time to dodge the incoming weather. But here's the thing: forecasters are expecting up to eight inches of snow to blanket Denver from 8 p.m. Tuesday through 3 p.m. Wednesday, with even more in the foothills. The rest of the series is legitimately in jeopardy.

Denver's Weather is a Recurring Problem for New York

This isn't new territory for these two teams. Back in 2013, the Mets got hammered with nearly 10 inches of snow in mid-April, forcing a postponement on April 15. The grounds crew, with help from Rockies owner Dick Monfort and front office staff, hand-shoveled the field so they could squeeze in a doubleheader the next day. Eight years later to the day, Denver got 6.9 inches and forced another doubleheader. A late May 2022 snowstorm hit them again. Last week they already had to play a doubleheader in New York after rain washed out the middle game of their series.

"I think it's just Denver weather shows up," Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. "Sorry they have to be here when that happens. We have to deal with it, too."

If They Play, Peralta Faces Lorenzen in a Rematch

If Tuesday's game actually happens, Freddy Peralta (1-3, 3.52 ERA) takes the mound for New York against Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 6.09). Lorenzen won the matchup on April 24 when the Rockies beat the Mets 4-3 on the road. Peralta took the loss in that one, allowing two runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings. In his career against Colorado, Peralta is 4-3 with a 3.45 ERA through nine starts and 10 total appearances.

Lorenzen got the win on April 24, throwing seven innings of one-run ball in New York. He's 3-1 with a 2.42 ERA and two saves in five starts against the Mets across his career.

Juan Soto, who was moved to leadoff for Monday's series opener, will likely bat first if Lorenzen takes the hill. Soto went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored Monday. Manager Carlos Mendoza moved him to the top of the order to generate more at bats and get him on base. "I tried with Juan at No. 2 or 3, trying to create traffic in front of him," Mendoza said. "We were having a hard time doing that. So just decided to go the other way, just getting him as many at bats as possible, trying to get him on base and let the other guys drive him in." Soto is batting .301 with three home runs so far in what's been an injury-impacted season.

The Mets will try to stay above .500 if the weather cooperates. If it doesn't, Denver's getting another weather day and possibly another doubleheader.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.