Rockies vs Phillies Game 2

     The Rockies dropped the opening game of the series to the Phillies last night by a final score of 5-4. The Rockies dug themselves into an early 5-0 deficit but made things interesting in the final couple of innings but fell just short as Jonathan Papelbon was able to close out the game in the ninth inning. The Rockies have now lost three straight games and will be looking to turn things around tonight as they face the injury riddled Phillies team.

     The Rockies will hand the ball off tonight to veteran Jorge De La Rosa who will be looking to stop the bleeding for the Rockies. De La Rosa has had a very good year to this point as he has compiled a 12-6 record with a very good 3.22 ERA in 25 games started this year. He looked very good in his last start against the Padres as he went seven innings while scattering eight hits, two runs, issued one walk and struck out six in the game on route to his 12th victory of the season. He has now won two straight starts and four of his last five decisions. De La Rosa has struggled more on the road this year than he has at home as he has a 4-5 record with a 3.84 ERA in 13 road starts on the year. Current Phillies are hitting .302 against De La Rosa in their career matchups with two home runs and 13 RBI in 53 combined at bats. De La Rosa has had a good year on the mound and perhaps even more impressive is that he has remained healthy for the majority of the year. He has always battled issues in the past which have cost him time in the past, but he has been reliable this year to take the mound every fifth day for the Rockies.

     The Phillies recalled right handed pitcher Tyler Cloyd from AAA in order to make the start today against the Rockies in place of injured pitcher John Lannan. Earlier in the year Cloyd posted decent numbers for the Phillies in a few starts. He has a 2-2 record with a 3.41 ERA in six games started this year. Cloyd does not have dominant stuff on the mound, but his location and command will more than make up for it. His best pitch is his cut fastball which works in the mid 80's. He has not made a start at the Major League level since early June, but he is ready to assert himself tonight against the Rockies. He has only made one start at home this year and it was a good one, but he took the loss in the game against the Brewers. He went seven innings allowing eight hits, three runs (two earned), one walk and struck out three. He is not a guy who gets many strikeouts, but he will work to contact and induce a lot of ground balls using his cutter.

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

     The Rockies lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
3. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Todd Helton, 1B
6. Wilin Rosario, C
7. Nolan Arenado, 3B
8. Charlie Blackmon, LF
9. Jorge De La Rosa, P

     First pitch for the game tonight is at 5:05 PM Mountain time. The Rockies will be looking to end their three game losing streak against recently called up Tyler Cloyd. The Rockies offense looks to heat up tonight and build some much needed momentum moving forward.