/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60498727/GYI0060115870.0.0.jpg)
Game Discussion is HERE
Considering we've dropped 2-of-3 to one of the two teams that lie directly in between us and the Division Title, I'd make the case that today is an absolutely massive game for the Rockies to win. Being swept at home is pretty much unacceptable.
In 5 starts v Colorado, Richard is 1-1 with a 4.40 ERA. Colorado has struck out 26 times, walked 15, and given up one long ball. The Rockies have managed a .764 OPS against Richard, which is better than the .690 OPS that MLB has posted against him so far. The Rockies need to get after Richard though, and capitalize on the opportunities that may arise, because in the past 28 days, Richard has pitched at a 1.40 ERA level over 4 starts, tallied a 2.00 K/BB ratio, and limited opponents to a .586 OPS - there might not be many opportunities.
The best thing for Colorado, however, is that De La Rosa has been even tougher on San Diego than just about anyone else. Part of that may simply be starts IN San Diego, but if you look, DLR was at his WORST in PetCo (out of his SD starts). In his 3 starts against the Padres, DLR has gone 2-0 with a 3.63 ERA, a 4.75 K/BB, but 2 homers allowed. SD has hit DLR for a .679 OPS, far below the .740 mark the rest of baseball is putting up against him.
Long story short, if there's a guy (not named Ubaldo Jimenez) to step up and beat the Padres, it's Jorge De La Rosa.
GO ROCKIES!