The Rockies need this one to get within 4.5 games with the Dodgers winning again today (if they can ever get this last out). At this point Los Angeles is looking to be a more serious challenge to overcome than Arizona, and we'll likely need some unexpected luck to turn against tehm in their remaining schedule to complete the job. If San Diego and San Francisco can step up as spoilers with their hated rival, I certainly won't mind.

As for tonight, Jeff Francis has been a steady hand in his last four starts, and since returning from the DL has been the pitcher we were expecting to show up in April. Given the stress he caused Rockies fans early in the season, I think he owes us a few more like his last four between now and the end of the year.

Go Rockies!