DENVER — Three years ago, in 2019, Kyle Freeland got his first opening day start.
He was lights-out that day, pitching seven innings and giving up only one run on two hits. That, though, was across the country in Miami. On Friday, Freeland will get the ball to start the season again, this time at Coors Field, just a few miles from where he grew up.
"I was pretty shocked actually. I did not expect to get that news," Freeland told reporters after his last spring training start on Friday. "I'm excited to take it on and get the season rolling."
Freeland is now tied with seven others for the most Opening Day starts in team history. The news was announced during Friday's game by general manager Bill Schmidt, as Freeland rolled through his outing, pitching 5.1 scoreless innings on 53 pitches.
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