The Rockies are coming into this series with the Reds with something that has been hard for them to get in the second half of their season...momentum. They have been able to win the last two series against the Marlins and the Giants by winning the first and third games against their inferior opponents. This has given them the confidence to move forward and try and get something going to be able to finish out the season on a high note. The Rockies starting pitchers have had good success over the last week as the pitchers have not allowed more than five runs in a game since August 18th in Baltimore. They will be looking to keep that momentum going against a very talented Reds offense that is currently destined to make the Playoffs. The Rockies have a chance to play spoiler and ruin the Reds plans for postseason plans.
The Rockies have chosen to skip Jeff Manship in the rotation and hand the ball off to Jorge De La Rosa on his normal five days of rest. De La Rosa has been solid for the Rockies this year and has a 14-6 record with a 3.28 ERA in 27 games started. He won his last start against the Marlins despite only lasting five innings. He allowed five hits and three runs in the game and struggled with command as he walked three batters. He was seemingly behind every hitter in the game which forced him to bring his fastball straight to them, but lucky for him, he was facing off against the Marlins and they were unable to capitalize against him. He has been outstanding this year at home as he has compiled a 8-1 record with a 2.58 ERA in 12 games started. Current Reds have not had much success against De La Rosa as they are hitting for a .189 average with three home runs and eight RBI in 37 combined at bats. Ryan Ludwick has seen him the most and is 4 for 18 against De La Rosa with two home runs and three RBI. The Reds are a team that is very patient at the plate and they will try and work the count into their favor every time they go up there. De La Rosa will need to work ahead in the count and force the Reds hitters to chase pitches they would normally not swing at.
The Reds will be sending Bronson Arroyo to the mound tonight to face off against the Rockies offense. This year, Arroyo has posted a 13-9 record with a 3.42 ERA over 26 games started. He got the victory his last time out against the Brewers when he went seven innings allowing seven hits, three runs, no walks and struck out six hitters on the night. In the last ten starts he is 7-3 and is really starting to come on strong down the home stretch for the Reds. In nine of those ten starts he has allowed three runs or less and has gone at least six innings in eight of those starts. He has not pitched great on the road this year as he is 4-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 10 games started away from home. Current Rockies hitters have a .283 average against Arroyo with five home runs and 14 RBI in 127 combined at bats. Troy Tulowitzki and Todd Helton each have two home runs and five RBI against the veteran right hander.
The Reds lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Shin-Soo Choo, CF
2. Brandon Phillips, 2B
3. Joey Votto, 1B
4. Ryan Ludwick, LF
5. Jay Bruce, RF
6. Todd Frazier, 3B
7. Zack Cozart, SS
8. Ryan Hanigan, C
9. Bronson Arroyo, P
The Rockies lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Corey Dickerson, CF
2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
3. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
4. Wilin Rosario, C
5. Todd Helton, 1B
6. Nolan Arenado, 3B
7. Charlie Blackmon, RF
8. Charlie Culberson, LF
9. Jorge De La Rosa, P
First pitch for the game tonight is scheduled for 6:40 PM Mountain time. Jorge De La Rosa will be going for his fifth consecutive win and will be trying to tame the powerful Reds offense. The Rockies will try and get a good start to this series and set themselves up for a chance to win a third straight series.
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