Rockies Game Preview: 7/6

     The Rockies are taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second game of their three game series tonight. The Rockies had a disappointing effort last night as they were shut out by the D-Backs 5-0. They will be looking to get back on track and gain a game on the D-Backs in the division. Carlos Gonzalez missed the game last night as he was recovering from his back injury that he suffered on the 4th of July. He was available to come off of the bench which is a good sign that the injury is not that serious and he should be back in the lineup tonight.

     Drew Pomeranz will be making his second start on the year for the Rockies and he will be looking to rebound from a sub par outing his first time out. Pomeranz took the loss against the Giants on June 30th when he lasted only 4 1/3rd innings allowing seven hits, four runs, four walks and struck out five. He was doing fine until the fifth inning when he had a meltdown. He gave up back to back hits and then a home run to Hunter Pence, he then issued back to back walks forcing Walt Weiss to pull him out of the game. It was a disappointing start to the year for the young lefty. He has made a lot of progress at the AAA level this year working on his mechanics and control, unfortunately he was not able to display the progress in his first start. In limited history against current Diamondbacks hitters, Pomeranz has held them to a .286 average with two home runs and eight RBI in 28 combined at bats. Gerardo Parra is 3-6 against Pomeranz with one home run and two RBI. Pomeranz will be looking to show the organization that he has what it takes to become the top of the rotation starter that he has the stuff to be.

     Facing off against the Rockies will be left hander Wade Miley. On the year Miley is 4-7 with a 4.29 ERA. He began the year hot but has cooled off and has battled some control issues as of late. He took a no decision in his last start against the Mets when he went 5 2/3rd innings allowing six hits, no runs, four walks and struck out seven. Miley has been win less since June 5th and has only two wins after April 10th. He has been bad at home this year and has not found Chase Field to be a suitable environment for his pitching style. He has a 1-2 record with a 6.66 ERA in five games started on the year. Miley has fared well against current Rockies hitters in their career match ups as he has held them to a .269 average with two home runs and nine RBI in 93 combined at bats. Wilin Rosario has had the most luck against Miley as he has five hits in 11 at bats with one home run and three RBI. Miley will be looking to break out of the win less slump he has been in and try to get back on track and keep the Diamondbacks ahead in the NL West division.

     The Diamondbacks lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1.

     The Rockies lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Josh Rutledge, 2B
2. Jonathan Herrera, SS
3. Carlos Gonzalez, LF
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Nolan Arenado, 3B
6. Todd Helton, 1B
7. Yorvit Torrealba, C
8. Tyler Colvin, CF
9. Drew Pomeranz, P

     First pitch for the game tonight is at 8:10 PM Mountain time. The Rockies will look to gain a game on the Diamondbacks, and make a statement to the rest of the teams in the division that they are here to stay.