Rockies Game Preview: 6/13

     The Colorado Rockies will be taking on the Washington Nationals in an afternoon affair at Coors Field to decide the series victor. The Rockies had a tough time on offense last night facing Ross Ohlendorf and eventually fell to the Nationals 5-1. The Rockies only managed to secure three hits on the night and did not see the ball well against the unorthodox delivery of Ohlendorf.

     Jeff Francis will take the hill today for the Rockies and he will be looking to fight just to stay in the Rockies starting rotation. Francis has struggled of late and is now 2-4 on the year with an astronomical 6.30 ERA. His last time out he took the loss against the Padres going just four innings allowing six hits and four runs. Francis has a 1-3 record with a 6.91 ERA at home this year in six starts. Current Nationals hitters have owned Jeff Francis during his career as they are hitting at a .363 clip against him in 91 at bats. Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman both have an average above .450 with one home run against him. Francis' days as a member of the Colorado Rockies may be numbered and if he struggles to find some consistency today then he may be shipped out to make room for Roy Oswalt who is currently getting back into shape at the AA level with the Tulsa Drillers.

     The Nationals will counter today with 27 year old Ross Detwiler. On the year Detwiler has a 2-4 record and a 2.76 ERA. This will be his first start since May 15th. He has been on the disabled list with an oblique strain. He got off to a hot start on the year as he allowed only two runs in his first three starts, but has cooled and lost four of his last five starts. On the road this year he is 1-2 with a 2.57 ERA in four games started. Current Rockies are hitting .450 against Detwiler in his career in 20 at bats. Detwiler has good stuff but his main issue keeping him from being a quality option is his command. He has struggled with walks throughout his career and that is something that the Nationals are hoping comes around with experience.

     The Nationals lineup for today's game against the Rockies is as follows:
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Jeff Kobernus, LF
3. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
4. Jayson Werth, RF
5. Adam LaRoche, 1B
6. Ian Desmond, SS
7. Anthony Rendon, 2B
8. Kurt Suzuki, C
9. Ross Detwiler, P

     The Rockies lineup for today's game is as follows:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Jordan Pacheco, 1B
3. Carlos Gonzalez, LF
4. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Wilin Rosario, C
7. Nolan Arenado, 3B
8. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
9. Jeff Francis, P

     First pitch for today's game is at 1:10 PM Mountain time.