chase dollander is at the center of a key shift for the Colorado Rockies on April 26, 2026, as the right-hander is set to start the second game of a traditional double-header against the New York Mets in Flushing. Colorado won the first game 3-1, held New York to one run, and secured the series with a chance to complete the sweep. For the first time this season, chase dollander will take the mound without an opener.
Rockies carry momentum into Game 2
The Rockies enter the nightcap with clear momentum after backing a strong pitching effort in the opener. The club is now playing for a sweep in Flushing after already clinching the series against the Mets. The second game is set for 2: 55 p. m. MDT, with radio coverage listed for KOA 850 AM/94. 1 FM and KNRV 1150 in Spanish.
chase dollander has been one of Colorado’s most effective arms in limited work this season. In six appearances and 25 innings, he has posted a 2. 88 ERA, allowed seven walks, and led the Rockies pitching staff with 32 strikeouts. He is being asked to do something different now: start without an opener for the first time this year.
Chase Dollander gets a longer look
The move comes after chase dollander was described as fully stretched out. In his most recent outing against the San Diego Padres, he worked six full innings, allowed one earned run on three hits and a walk, and tied a career high with nine strikeouts. That performance is the latest evidence that Colorado believes he is ready for a more traditional starting assignment.
On the other side, the Mets are turning to Japanese right-hander Kodai Senga, who has had a difficult start to the 2026 season. In four starts, he carries an 8. 83 ERA, a 1. 904 WHIP, and four home runs allowed across 17. 1 innings. In each of his last two starts, he has failed to get through four innings and has given up at least six earned runs.
What Senga brings into the matchup
There is still a reason for caution. Senga has historically pitched well against the Rockies, posting a 1. 47 ERA in three career starts with only two home runs allowed and 17 strikeouts over 18. 1 innings. His pitch mix includes a 96. 3 MPH four-seam fastball, a cutter, a sweeper, a sinker, and his trademark ghost forkball. He has also thrown at least one curveball and slider this season.
For Colorado, the task is straightforward: stay sharp after a strong opener and give chase dollander enough support to turn a series win into a sweep. The Rockies have already handled the first part of the double-header; the next step is whether they can finish the job behind chase dollander.
What comes next
If Colorado stays in control, this game could deepen the sense that the Rockies are finding a firmer rhythm in this matchup. If Senga steadies himself, the Mets still have a chance to slow the sweep bid and reset the tone before the day is over. Either way, chase dollander’s first start without an opener is the clearest new development to watch as the Rockies try to close out the double-header.
