Bad luck bites Meyer, snaps record-setting undefeated streak

Not all good things last forever. Pitching in the cavernous Coors Field, Max Meyer put his perfect record on the line against the forces of altitude and dry air, ultimately suffering a loss for the first time in 2026.

The former third overall draft pick had been off to a 9-0 start to the season. His 17 starts without a loss were the most to begin a season in franchise history.

The Coors effect infected Meyer early, when Mickey Moniak, for the second time in as many nights, sent a ball over the center field wall to give the Rockies an early 1-0 lead. Falling a mere single short of the cycle, Moniak has been Colorado's best hitter this season, sporting a 135 wRC+. 

As was the case in their 10-run and 14-run barrages in the series' first two games, Miami would take the lead on Javier Sanoja's two-run triple.

Kyle Freeland, the owner of a 3.80 ERA in 10 career appearances against the Fish, would work five otherwise carefree innings, striking out seven in the Rockies' victory.

Carrying that 2-1 lead into the bottom of the fifth, Meyer would fall victim to some tough luck when an error by the aforementioned Sanoja misplayed a ground ball off the bat of Kyle Karros. Two batters later, it was Moniak's two-run triple that gave the Rockies a lead they would never relinquish.

The salt in the wound would come in short order, as Hunter Goodman, the team's presumed representative at this year's All-Star game, launched his 27th home run of the season. Among catchers to start at least 150 games behind the plate since the start of last season, only Cal Raleigh (55) has more home runs in games caught than Goodman's 50. Over his last six games played, Goodman has hit six home runs.

On the whole, Meyer would power through six innings, allowing five runs, though only being charged with one in collecting his first loss of the season. Despite the defeat, Meyer lowered his season ERA to 2.53. 

"I thought Max was good tonight...It's the conditions here that take a toll on your body, though," noted manager Clayton McCullough.

The night would not be without its moments of elation for Miami, though, as Joe Mack, pinch-hitting in the top of the seventh, sent a ball over the head of center fielder Jake McCarthy in what would turn out to be an inside-the-park home run. The long ball would represent the first of the inside-the-park variety since Yuli Gurriel in 2023.

Colorado pitchers retired nine consecutive Marlins after that to seal the 6-3 win.

Looking Ahead

The Marlins will conclude the four-game set and their West Coast road trip in Thursday's series finale. Michael Lorenzen (3-9, 6.83 ERA) will take the ball for Colorado. While the first half of the season has been unkind to him, Lorenzen has a track record of success against Miami, posting a 2.62 ERA - his lowest mark against any NL opponent - across 18 games pitched (7 GS).

First pitch from Coors Field is scheduled for 3:10 EST/1:10 MDT.