The Rockies lost to the Cubs last night by a final sore of 3-1. The offense looked terrible as they only managed to get five hits on the night and only one hit after the fourth inning. They were still on break and hopefully they got the memo that they need to pick it up and be more consistent as a team in order to make a push for the playoffs. I will give credit where credit is due, Jeff Samardzija did pitch very well in the game and he deserved the win, however he did make a few mistakes and leave some pitches out over the plate, but the Rockies could not capitalize on them. The Rockies are in a critical stretch where they need to do well during this 10 game home stand or they might need to sell when it comes to the trade deadline at the end of this month.
Taking the mound today for the Rockies is Juan Nicasio. Nicasio dominated in his return to the Major Leagues when he took on the Dodgers in his last start before the All Star break. He easily had his best start of the season as he finished the game going seven innings allowing just three hits, no runs, one walk and he struck out three. He had good control on the day and he showed the potential that the Rockies have seen in him. He is now 5-4 on the year with a 4.89 ERA. He made two starts in the minor leagues and it looks like he may have figured something out that will make it a great second half for him and boost his confidence heading into next season. At home this year Nicasio has posted a 2-1 record with a 4.86 ERA in seven starts. He made one start against the Cubs this year and it did not go his way. On May 13th Nicasio lasted six innings but he gave up eight hits, five runs, issued one walk and struck out two. The Rockies lost the game 9-1 behind an all around strong offensive performance by the Cubs. Nicasio is a different pitcher now as opposed to when he took the mound early in the year. If he can carry the confidence that he displayed against the Dodgers in his last start then this could be the start of something great. There is not a lot of history between Nicasio and current Cubs hitters. In 37 combined at bats they are hitting just .216 with one home run and five RBI. Alfonso Soriano owns the home run against him and is 2 for 3 against him total with two RBI. He will try and duplicate his performance from last time out when he takes the ball tonight.
Facing off against the Rockies tonight is Carlos Villanueva. On the year Villanueva has put up a 2-5 record with a 3.59 ERA. He was a starter to begin the year but after his rough start against Colorado he was demoted to the bullpen. He worked his way back into the rotation and has thrown the ball fairly well over his last two outings.. On the road this year he has a 1-2 record with a respectable 3.38 ERA in 12 games ( three starts). He had one start against the Rockies in the series at Wrigley field and the Rockies were able to hit him hard. He went five innings allowing 12 hits, seven runs, no walks and struck out one. He took the loss in the game and it eventually cost him his spot in the rotation. Rockies hitters salivate every time they come up to bat against Villanueva. In 55 combined at bats the Rockies are hitting .382 with five home runs and 14 RBI. Troy Tulowitzki and Yorvit Torrealba each have a pair of home runs against him in their career match ups.
The Cubs lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Luis Valbuena, 3B
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Nate Schierholtz, RF
6. Junior Lake, CF
7. Darwin Barney, 2B
8. Wellington Castillo, C
9. Carlos Villanueva, 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. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Todd Helton, 1B
7. Wilin Rosario, C
8. Nolan Arenado, 3B
9. Juan Nicasio, P
First pitch for game two of the series is scheduled for 6:10 PM Mountain time.
No comments:
Post a Comment