Rockies Retro: Opening Day Starters, The 90s

Here's the second installment of my look at the Colorado Rockies' Opening Day Starters.

4 April 1999
Starter - Darryl Kile
WPA - .067
Result - Rockies 8, Padres 2

Kile allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings, striking out four and walking four. Dante Bichette had a .178 WPA due to his 4-for-5, 1 HR, 4 RBI night. And this was the first game of the 1999 season, being played Sunday night in Mexico.

31 March 1998
Starter - Darryl Kile
WPA - .291
Result - Rockies 9, Diamondbacks 2

Kile allowed a run in seven innings, and Vinny Castilla (.238 WPA) went 3-for-5 with two homers, and five RBI. Aaron Cook and Chrs Iannetta, can you do that on Monday?

1 April 1997
Starter - Kevin Ritz
WPA - -.256
Result - Rockies 4, Red 11

Ritz allowed five runs and walked four in five innings. Jerry DiPoto followed that up with another four runs allowed in 2/3rds of an inning (-.234 WPA).

2 April 1996
Starter - Kevin Ritz
WPA - .177
Result - Rockies 5, Phillies 3

Ritz picked up the win in this game, despite allowing seven walks. It had a bit to do with not allowing any runs and giving up only a hit in 5 1/3 innings. Steve Reed (.211 WPA) relieved Ritz after one out in the sixth inning. With men on second and  third, Reed recorded a pop out and a lineout to close the inning. The next three relievers each allowed a run.

26 April 1995
Starter - Bill Swift
WPA - -0.054
Result - Rockies 11, Mets 9 (14 innings)

Yeah, we all know this game. Dante Bichette (.502 WPA) hit a three-run home run to win this game. Bill Swift allowed five runs in six innings. Curtis Leskanic and Darren Holmes relief efforts greatly helped the Rockies.

4 April 1994
Starter - Armando Reynoso
WPA - .216
Result - Rockies 6, Phillies 12

Reynoso allowed only two runs in six innings, and his opponent, Curt Schilling, allowed four in six innings. Mike Munoz, Bruce Ruffin, and Darren Holmes allowed nine runs, five of which were unearned. Willie Balir allowed the other run.

5 April 1993
Starter - David Nied
WPA - -.011
Result - Rockies 0, Mets 3

Nied allowed two runs in five innings and walked six. Rockies hitters ran into Dwight Gooden that day. Doc threw a four-hit complete game shutout.