[UPDATE] Game Discussion has moved to OVERFLOW THREAD
I was at the game last, and the playoff atmosphere was undeniable. Given that people were still shuffling in multiple innings late due to the early start time, tonight should be far more raucous. Plus, we have a fine pitcher's duel on our hands.
No pitcher in MLB has more wins than Adam Wainwright. He allowed 6 runs at Pittsburgh earlier this month for his 17th win, but that was the only start of his last 17 in which he allowed more than 2 ER. The dude is nails. The Rockies did, however, defeat him on June 5th. They managed just 3 hits and 3 runs (2 earned) in 6+ IP while striking out 8 times, so they didn't exactly beat him up. The did ravage the bullpen though, scoring 9 runs in the 7th as soon as LaRussa pulled the plug on Wainwright. That was the second game of "The Streak," a turning point not only for the Rockies as a team, but for Jorge de la Rosa as well, who finally won his first game that night.
Ubaldo's win against the Cardinals in June marked the first of many 8.0+ IP outings for the Dominican. He was uneven for a couple starts there, but the Rockies are still 8-2 in his last 10 starts and undefeated at Coors in the second half when he throws the first pitch.
The Cubs are currently on their way to beating the Giants, keeping the Cards' divisional magic number at one. With a win tonight, they can clinch the NL Central. Let's not see it happen on our turf.
St. Louis also resides 3 games back of the Dodgers for home-field throughout the NL Playoffs and a half game behind the Phillies in the race to face the Rockies in the first round. So they'll be playing for something all weekend.
This will be a good one folks.
As for the lineup, the Rockies continue to have a couple falling All-Stars.