Padres' send division-rival Rockies into depths of MLB with historic beatdown

Even going beyond the 2025 season, this 21-0 win was historic work by the Padres. It is the largest shutout in Coors Field history, and the offensive onslaught completely overshadowed a masterful performance on the mound by Stephen Kolek. In just his second start this season (and of his career), Kolek allowed only five hits and two walks while striking out seven. And while that is impressive enough, the Padres combined to do something for the first time since 1889.

No team has scored 20+ runs while shutting out the opposing team since the Cincinatti Red Stockings did so against the Orioles on August 10th, 1889. The starting pitcher for the Red Stockings that day was Jesse Duryea, a 30-year old rookie. Kolek, who joined the Padres rotation last Sunday, has yet to allow a run in the big leagues this season.

The game on Saturday night is truly symbolic of what this team has been able to accomplish in the first quarter of the seasn. Whether it be an ace like Dylan Cease, a free agent steal in Nick Pivetta, or a first-time starter in Kolek, they have been absolutely dominant on the mound. Pitching coach Ruben Niebla has been masterful, proving himself to be one of the most valuable assistants in the entire league.

And in the batter's box, while the Padres have not set the league on fire like the Yankees or Dodgers, they are still grading out as a top ten offense in the MLB (per FanGraphs). They strike out at a lower percentage than any other team while maintaining the highest team batting average in the league at .269. So while their power numbers are only slightly above average, their ability to keep the lineup moving and put the ball into play is proving to be a working formula, especially paired with some of the best pitching in the game.

In the past week, the Padres have gotten a series win over the Yankees and beaten the Rockies so severely that they fired their manager at the conclusion of the series. It cements them both in history for the 21-0 beatdown, but also as clear contenders and in the top tier of the MLB.