The Rockies will be looking for something today that they have not had a chance to do since well before the All Star break. Today they will be going for the sweep against one of the best teams in the National League this year in the Pirates. They defeated the Pirates 6-4 last night thanks to a five run offensive outburst in the sixth inning. Wilton Lopez recorded the victory despite only getting the last out in the sixth inning in relief of Juan Nicasio. AJ Burnett took the loss in the game, and the Rockies were able to get some revenge for the complete game victory that he had against them five days prior. The Rockies had a team meeting on Friday before the start of the game and it has apparently given them the spark they needed as they have looked much better in their two games at home, than they looked in their previous 10 games on the road.
The Rockies will be sending Chad Bettis to the mound today to see if he can quiet the Pirates offense for a third straight game and complete the sweep for the Rockies. Bettis struggled in his first start with the team, but he settled down in his last start against the Mets. In that start he went five innings and allowed four hits two runs, had one walk and struck out two batters. He took the no decision in the game as the Mets took a lead late and beat the Rockies 3-2. Both of his starts this year have been on the road, so this will be his first taste of pitching at Coors Field. He has never faced anyone on the Pirates team in his career, so he will also have the element of surprise working in his favor. He will need to keep the ball down in the zone, because if he leaves it up, the Pirates hitters will make him pay. If he can do that then he will have a good chance to pick up his first victory as a member of the Rockies.
Today the Rockies will be facing a tough left hander in Jeff Locke. Locke was an All Star this year and is having a great year. He came out of nowhere this year as he had a sip of coffee in the Major Leagues in the previous two seasons with the Pirates but he struggled in his time up. This year he is 9-3 with a very good 2.47 ERA. His 2.47 ERA puts him fourth in the National League for ERA. He was hit around pretty hard in his last start against the Marlins when he went 5 2/3rd innings pitched allowing nine hits, three runs, issued three walks and had four strikeouts, however he was able to walk away with a no decision in the game. He has been great away from home this year as he has put up a 5-2 record with a stellar 1.83 ERA in 11 games started. Away from PNC Park, he is holding opponents to a minuscule .185 average. He has never faced any of the current Rockies at the Major League level, so they will have to rely on the advice from the advance scouts in order to prepare for the game today. The Rockies already beat up Francisco Liriano in the series, and they will be looking to do the same to fellow left hander Jeff Locke today.
The Pirates lineup for the game today is as follows:
1. Alex Presley, LF
2. Jose Tabata, RF
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Pedro Alvarez, 3B
5. Neil Walker, 2B
6. Garrett Jones, 1B
7. Tony Sanchez, C
8. Clnt Barmes, SS
9. Jeff Locke, P
The Rockies lineup for the game today is as follows:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
3. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
4. Wilin Rosario, 1B
5. Nolan Arenado, 3B
6. Charlie Culberson, LF
7. Yorvit Torrealba, C
8. Charlie Blackmon, RF
9. Chad Bettis, P
First pitch for the game today is scheduled for 2:10 PM Mountain time. The Rockies are going for the sweep against the Pirates and they will be looking for a strong performance on the mound from Chad Bettis. Wilin Rosario will be making his second career start at first base in the game today.
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