Rockies Game Preview: 8/21

     The Rockies were able to get the bats going last night and get Todd Helton a victory for his 40th birthday by defeating the Phillies 5-3. The Rockies had 10 hits and five runs which is a good sign especially for a team that had lost 12 of 14 games on the road coming into the game last night. They will be looking to carry that momentum into the game tonight and ensure that they at least get a split with the Phillies on the road.

     The Rockies will be sending Juan Nicasio to the mound tonight to face off against the Phillies. Nicasio has had an up and down year for the Rockies as he has looked unhittable at times and then other times he doesn't look like he can get anybody out. He looked better in his last start and got the victory despite battling control issues throughout the game. In the game against the Orioles, he went six innings allowing just four hits, two runs, issued four walks and struck out two. The amount of walks he issued was a little concerning, but he was able to limit the damage he allowed. On the year he is 7-6 with a 4.94 ERA. He has struggled on the road this year as he is 4-5 on the year with a 5.76 ERA. He has made one start against the Phillies this year and it did not go well for him but he took a no decision in the game. In that game he lasted 5 2/3rd innings allowing seven hits, five runs, two walks and struck out four. In a limited number of at bats, current Phillies are hitting .278 against him with three RBI in 18 combined at bats. Nicasio will need to keep the ball down in the zone tonight and not allow the power hitters to elevate on his fastball.

     The Phillies will be sending their ace to the mound tonight in Cliff Lee to face off against the Rockies. Lee has had a good year despite everything going on around him. He is 10-6 with a 3.19 ERA in 23 games started. He has not received the run support from the Phillies that he normally has in the past and that is evident with his lower ERA and win total. He pitched well in his last start against the Dodgers but took the loss as they were shutout in the game. He went eight innings allowing five hits, three runs, one walk, and struck out six. Lee has lost his last four decisions and has not picked up a victory since July 5th. He has struggled more at home this year as he has a 4-4 record with a 4.00 ERA. Current Rockies hitters are hitting .333 against Lee with four home runs and 14 RBI in 90 combined at bats. Michael Cuddyer has had the most success against him as he is 11 for 36 with four doubles, three home runs and eight RBI against him.

     The Phillies lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Michael Young, 1B
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Dominic Brown, LF
5. Darin Ruf, RF
6. Cody Asche, 3B
7. Erik Kratz, C
8. John Mayberry, CF
9. Cliff Lee, P

     The Rockies lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Charlie Culberson, LF
3. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Wilin Rosario, 1B
6. Nolan Arenado, 3B
7. Jordan Pacheco, C
8. Jonathan Herrera, 2B
9. Juan Nicasio, P

     First pitch for the game tonight is scheduled for 5:05 PM Mountain time. The Rockies will be going for their second consecutive road win, which has not happened since before the All Star break when they defeated the Nationals two straight in the middle of June.