The Rockies lost to the Dodgers last night by a final score of 6-1. They got a big shot in the arm with the return of Dexter Fowler and Troy Tulowitzki, but both failed to get going in their first game back and each finished the game going 0 for 4. Carlos Gonzalez was the offensive bright spot last night for the Rockies as he finished the game 3 for 4 and accounted for the Rockies only run of the game when he hit his National League leading 25th home run of the season in the ninth inning. Drew Pomeranz failed to make it past the fifth inning for the third consecutive start this season. He finished the game going four innings allowing seven hits, three runs, five walks and four strikeouts. His biggest issue has been his control since he was promoted to the major leagues. His pitch count has been driven up because he has not worked the ball around the strike zone enough.
Juan Nicasio has been recalled from AAA to take the rotation spot that was vacated by Roy Oswalt who is now on the disabled list. Nicasio will be making the start tonight against the Dodgers and he will have the task of trying to keep them in check which is something that most people have failed at in recent weeks. On the year Nicasio is 4-4 with a 5.31 ERA before he was sent down a couple of weeks ago. His last start before the demotion was his worst start on the year. He faced off against the Red Sox and lasted two 1/3rd innings allowing 12 hits, seven runs (six earned), two walks and two strikeouts. On the road this year Nicasio has a 2-3 record with a 5.68 ERA in nine starts. Nicasio has made one other start this year against the Dodgers on May 1st. In that start he lasted four innings allowing five hits, three runs, two walks and struck out six hitters. Nicasio has not fared well against current Dodgers hitters as they are hitting .385 against him in their previous meetings with four home runs and 15 RBI in 78 career match ups. Andre Ethier has had the most success against Nicasio as he is 7 for 12 with one double, one home run and four RBI. Nicasio has had two starts in AAA since he was demoted and has done well down there. His last start came on July 5th and he went eight scoreless innings allowing five hits, issued no walks and struck out six batters. He will be looking to carry that momentum into the Major Leagues with him.
Facing off against the Rockies tonight will be young left hander Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw is having another great year and is 8-5 on the year with a league leading 1.89 ERA. He should have more wins on the year but he lost a couple of games because his offense failed to give him any support on the days that he pitched. He has gone at least eight innings in each of his last three starts, including his complete game shutout against the Rockies on July 2nd when he also struck out eight hitters on the day. He has been better at home this year as he has a 5-3 record with a 1.60 ERA in 10 starts. He has made two starts against the Rockies this year and is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA. It is no surprise that current Rockies hitters are hitting only .249 against Kershaw in their previous match ups with five home runs and 17 RBI in 221 combined at bats. Dexter Fowler has had the most luck against Kershaw as he is 15 for 34 with two doubles and a triple. There is no question about it, the 25 year old lefty is one of the best pitchers in the game of baseball and will be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come.
The Dodgers lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Carl Crawford, LF
2. Yasiel Puig, RF
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Hanley Ramirez, SS
5. Andre Ethier, CF
6. AJ Ellis, C
7. Mark Ellis, 2B
8. Juan Uribe, 3B
9. Clayton, Kershaw, P
The Rockies lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
3. Carlos Gonzalez, LF
4. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
5. Wilin Rosario, C
6. Jordan Pacheco, 1B
7. Charlie Blackmon, RF
8. Nolan Arenado, 3B
9. Juan Nicasio, P
First pitch for the game tonight is at 8:10 PM Mountain time.
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