Monday, August 12, 2013

Rockies Game Preview: 8/12

     The Rockies are flying high after their three game sweep of the Pirates over the weekend and now the San Diego Padres are coming to town to face off with them at Coors Field. The Rockies have a good chance to make it two consecutive series wins but they will need to keep their focus and continue to take it one game at a time. In their series with the Pirates the Rockies were able to hold the Pirates to a combined seven runs and they also got victories against both starters that had recorded victories against them a week ago. It was one of the best three game series the Rockies have had all year and they will be looking to ride that momentum into the series with the Padres.

     Tonight the Rockies will hand the ball to Jhoulys Chacin as he looks to get the Rockies their fourth straight victory. Chacin has had a good year as he has posted a 10-6 record with a 3.30 ERA in 22 games started. He pitched well in his last time out against the Mets, but he took the loss in the game as Matt Harvey threw a complete game shutout against him. In the game he went seven innings allowing seven hits, two runs, issued one walk and struck out five batters in the game. The performance normally would be good enough to win a game but the Rockies offense faltered and he was given his sixth loss of the season. He will be looking to rebound and add to his win total on the year against a weaker San Diego lineup. Chacin has struggled a bit more at home this year despite his 6-3 record. He has a 4.27 ERA in 13 games started and opponents are hitting for a .263 average against him. He has faced off against the Padres four times this year and has a 2-1 record with a 3.52 ERA. In his career, he has done well against the division opponent. He has held current Padres to a .209 average with only one home run and 13 RBI in 134 combined at bats. Chacin will be looking to go deep into the game and keep the Padres off balance by mixing in his fastball and off speed pitches throughout the game.

     The Padres will be sending Edinson Volquez to the mound tonight to face off against the Rockies. Volquez has had an up and down year and is 8-9 with a 5.44 ERA on the season. He has not been the same pitcher since leaving Cincinnati a few years ago. He also took a loss in his last time out despite throwing the ball fairly well against the Orioles. He threw six innings allowing six hits, two runs, two walks and struck out six batters. He has a 5-2 record on the road this year with a 5.63 ERA in 12 starts. He is not thrilled about facing the Rockies again as he is 0-3 against them this year with a  12.18 ERA in four starts. He has been lit up each time he has faced the Rockies and will be trying to change that this time out. Current Rockies players are hitting for a .372 average against Volquez, with four home runs and 29 RBI in 129 combined at bats. Wilin Rosario has his number in their career matchups as Rosario is 7 for 15 with two home runs and seven RBI.

     First pitch for the game tonight between the Rockies and the Padres is scheduled for 6:40 PM Mountain time. Rockies are looking to make it four straight victories in front of their home fans.

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