The Rockies got a big victory last night against the Brewers in the first game of their series, which was able to break them out of a mini slump offensively. Tyler Chatwood was the star of the game as he pitched seven wonderful innings and set his new career high in strikeouts with 11. He also helped himself at the plate as he had two hits and two RBI on the night. The Rockies scored eight runs last night which equaled the total number of runs that they tallied in the entire four game series against the Marlins. They are hopeful that they can maintain a level of consistency with their offensive production throughout the second half. If they can do that then they still have a shot at winning the West.
Taking the mound tonight for the Rockies will be Collin McHugh. McHugh was acquired in the trade that sent Eric Young Jr. to the New York Mets. McHugh pitched in three games this year for the Mets with one start and did not fair well in his outings. In his three outings he has a combined seven innings pitched allowing 12 hits, eight runs, three walks and struck out three. The Rockies believe that he has what it takes to be successful in a Rockies uniform, which is why they made the move to get him. The 6'2" 195 pound right hander just turned 26 in June and has put together a very nice minor league career in six seasons. In his minor league career he has posted a 36-26 record with a very nice 3.24 ERA. In 609 innings pitched he has issued only 189 walks which is good and shows that he has command around the strike zone. He does not have over powering stuff as his fastball works in the low to mid 90's but he has a plus slider and he has the ability to command all of his pitches within the strike zone. He had a high K/BB ratio in the minor leagues and he projects to be a fourth or fifth starter at the Major League Level. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to the starting rotation with the Rockies. If he pitches to his potential then he could be a dominant starter and fill a need for the Rockies in the back of their rotation.
Facing off against the Rockies tonight for the Brewers will be veteran left hander Tom Gorzelanny. Gorzelanny had been coming out of the pen for the Brewers but he was recently moved into the starting rotation. He has been one of the best pitchers for the Brewers all season long but he has hit a rut recently and has lost each of the last four games he has pitched in. He had his worst outing of the year in his last time out against the Padres as he lasted five and 2/3rd innings allowing five hits, five runs, three walks and he struck out six. The three walks was out of character for him as he generally works around the strike zone and does not issue many free passes. On the year he has posted a 1-4 record with a good 2.47 ERA. He has pitched well on the road this year despite his 0-2 record. He has a 1.90 ERA in 16 games (one start). Current Rockies hitters have owned Gorzelanny in their career matchups. In 51 combined at bats they are hitting .392 against him with eight doubles, two triples, two home runs and 11 RBI. Carlos Gonzalez is hoping that his finger will feel well enough to have him in the lineup because he is 6 for 9 with two doubles and one triple against Gorzelanny.
The Brewers lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Rickie Weeks, 2B
2. Norichika Aoki, RF
3. Jean Segura, SS
4. Jonathan Lucroy, C
5. Carlos Gomez, CF
6. Caleb Gindl, LF
7. Juan Francisco, 1B
8. Yuniesky Betancourt, 3B
9. Tom Gorzelanny, P
The Rockies lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
3. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Wilin Rosario, C
6. Todd Helton, 1B
7. Nolan Arenado, 3B
8. Charlie Blackmon, LF
9. Collin McHugh, P
First pitch for the game tonight is at 6:10 PM Mountain time. The Rockies will be looking for that spark to keep their momentum going and actually get on a roll and get a few wins in a row. All eyes will be on Collin McHugh as he makes his debut for the Rockies. He will try and keep the hot streak going for the starting pitching and make a good first impression for the home fans in Colorado.
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