Looking Ahead

Dodgers RHP Walker Buehler (16-4, 2.47 ERA in 2021) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (7- 8, 4.43 in 2021)

2:10 p.m. Friday, Coors Field

TV: ATTRM Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM Freeland is hoping for a repeat performance of his big-league debut five years ago in Colorado’s home opener vs. the Dodgers. The left-hander pitched six innings, giving up one run on four hits, with six strikeouts and two walks. Friday marks Freeland’s second opening day start, as he also got the call in 2019, allowing one run over seven innings in a road win at Miami. The Denver native has posted a 4.33 ERA in consecutive seasons after struggling in 2019

(6.73 ERA) and dominating in 2018 when he set a franchise record with a 2.85 ERA. In 16 career starts vs. the Dodgers, Freeland is 3-7 with a 4.09 ERA. Buehler, who’s making his first opening- day start, has established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in the National League. The two-time all-star made all of his scheduled starts last season (33), pitched a career-high 207 2/3 innings, and went into at least the sixth inning 29 times. He’s faced the Rockies 19 times in his career (15 starts), going 6-2 with a 4.20 ERA. In 10 games (eight starts) at Coors Field, he’s 2-1 with a 5.03 ERA.

Trending: Entering this season, Rockies manager Bud Black has 998 career regular-season wins. With two wins, he will become the 66th manager in major league history to reach 1,000 career victories.

At issue: If the Rockies are going to climb back into contention, they’ll have to find a way to beat the Dodgers on a more consistent basis. The Dodgers have owned the Rockies for years and went 13- 6 against them in 2021.

— Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post Pitching probables

Saturday: Dodgers TBA at Rockies RHP German Marquez (12-11, 4.40), 6:05 p.m., ATTRM

Sunday: Dodgers TBA at Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (4-10, 4.42), 1:10 p.m., ATTRM

Monday: Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (9-9, 4.53) at Rangers Taylor Hearn (6- 6, 4.66), 2:05 p.m., ATTRM