Rockies drop series finale in Minnesota despite Feltner’s quality start

MINNEAPOLIS — Rockies Report, Game 84:

ROCKIES BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota left-hander Connor Prielipp kept Colorado batters off-balance, recording a career-high 10 strikeouts over six innings to corral the Rockies attack after three-consecutive eight-run outbursts. That ensured that Ryan Feltner’s quality start wouldn’t be enough as Twins shortstop Ryan Kriedler’s seventh-inning solo home run off reliever Seth Halvorsen was enough to doom Colorado to a 3-2 defeat in front of 20,277 at Target Field on Sunday afternoon.

“He was spinning it well. The heater was hot. He was really good. He pitched really well today, and we just didn’t have an answer for him,” Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer said. “… Ten Ks for him, he was really good.”

Colorado batters struck out 14 times overall as the Twins limited the Rockies to a pair of runs on RBI singles from TJ Rumfield in the first inning and Troy Johnston in the sixth.

Shoutout Troy! pic.twitter.com/cdbY8FmAqt

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) June 28, 2026

The defeat handed the series to the Twins after the two clubs split games Friday and Saturday. Colorado has dropped eight of its last nine away series — although it has won four of its last five series at home — and fell to 33-51.

ROCKIES STARTER’S REPORT

Feltner has turned in one of the most consistent stretches of his career since returning from the injured list on May 30 due to right ulnar-nerve inflammation, and he kept it up Sunday, scattering five hits without a walk.

As was the case Saturday with Michael Lorenzen, he didn’t need strikeouts to flourish. Feltner didn’t strike out a single Twins batter Sunday — but he didn’t walk any, either.

“‘Felt’ was great. He was efficient. He attacked the zone. No walks at all. Challenged guys with his good heater,” Schaeffer said. “I thought ‘Felt’ was really good. Gave us a chance to win on the road. I thought it was a good day for him.”

Added Feltner: “I felt like most everything was working. I would have liked a little more strikes with some of the breaking balls. But overall, I felt like I had most of myself tuff today.”

This was the fourth quality start for Feltner since his return from the injured list. He made just one massive mistake and Twins second baseman Kody Clemens crushed it 399 feet onto the right-field concourse to put Minnesota in front 2-1 in the fourth inning.

“I threw it right in his honey hole,” Feltner said. “I was trying to go away; I pulled it in. I knew it right when I threw it.”

Nevertheless, Feltner allowed one or fewer earned runs for the third time in his last six starts. The third-inning run he surrendered was unearned, coming home on Kyle Karros’ throwing error.

“When he is on attack mode mentally, his stuff is really good,” Schaeffer said. “So, when he’s in the zone filling it up — which he has been since he’s been back — that’s when he’s good. And he’s been doing it every time out.”

Feltner has just one credited win to show for his four quality starts this season, and the Rockies are now 2-2 in those games.

BITS AND PIECES

IT WAS DECIDED FOR THE ROCKIES WHEN: Twins closer Yoendrys Gómez retired Jake McCarthy, Willi Castro and Mickey Moniak on three fly balls in four pitches in the ninth, stranding Braxton Fulford on first base with the potential tying run.

NUMBER TO NOTE: 3.27 — Feltner’s ERA since returning from the injured list late last month.

WHAT’S NEXT: A return home for a four-game series against the Miami Marlins. Sandy Alcantara will start for the Marlins; the Rockies’ starter is officially to be determined. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. MDT at Coors Field.

Related

Report: Rockies letting other teams know that several players are available at deadlineRockies’ late rally falls short in 8-5 loss to BrewersSugano earns 10th win as Rockies start road trip by beating NL Central leadersRockies offense, bullpen can’t match Hughes’ strong start in 8-0 throttlingRockies drawing trade interest on multiple players ahead of deadlineRockies ride Goodman’s 31st homer to win over Nationals