Final game of this four game set starts at 4:40 Rockies time.
One week ago the Colorado Rockies were leaving Coors Field after winning a series against the White Sox in which no game was decided by less than six runs. Tyler Chatwood was set to join the rotation and Jordan Lyles strong start to the season was forcing Franklin Morales back to the bullpen. The Rockies had climbed back to .500 on the season and were only waiting for Jhoulys Chacin to return to make the rotation even stronger. What a difference a week makes.
The Rockies lost Brett Anderson (to a broken finger) and four of six games on this road trip. Morales, who had one shutout inning in relief on the trip, will be starting now at least until Chacin makes his return in a couple of weeks. Despite the bad outcomes, there are some positive things from this road trip. Last night was the first game decided by more than one run on this trip and, without a couple of implosions by Rex Brothers, the team could have had a winning road trip.
A win today will make this trip a 3-4 excursion which, when have the trip was spent in San Francisco, almost feels like a small victory. Unfortunately for the Rockies they will be facing Ian Kennedy who has had some success against them since coming from the Yankees to the NL West in 2010. In fifteen starts against the Rockies he has a 2.80 ERA, however the Rockies did get a win against his team last year in his only decision.
Morales, who has had only one start in his career against San Diego, does not have a strong history against the Padres. In fourteen games, he has posted a 6.28 ERA and garnered two losses and zero wins. The Rockies need to take advantage of their opportunities and start a winning streak as they return home.
Lineups:
Colorado
1. Charlie Blackmon (L) CF
2. Michael Cuddyer (R) RF
3. Corey Dickerson (L) LF
4. Troy Tulowitzki (R) SS
5. Justin Morneau (L) 1B
6. Wilin Rosario (R) C
7. Nolan Arenado (R) 3B
8. DJ LeMahieu (R) 2B
9. Franklin Morales (L) P
San Diego
1. Everth Cabrera (S) SS
2. Chris Denorfia (R) RF
3. Jedd Gyorko (R) 2B
4. Xavier Nady (R) LF
5. Yasmani Grandal (S) C
6. Tommy Medica (R) 1B
7. Will Venable (L) CF
8. Alexi Amarista (L) 3B
9. Ian Kennedy (R) P
GO ROCKIES!