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Current Series
3 game series vs Cubs @ Wrigley Field
Colorado Rockies Monday, May 13, 2013, 6:05 PM MDT Juan Nicasio vs Travis Wood Cloudy. Winds blowing out to left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 55.
Complete Coverage > | ||
| Tue 05/14 | 6:05 PM MDT | |
| Wed 05/15 | 6:05 PM MDT | |
In their last 18 games against the Cubs in Chicago, the Rockies have just a 4-14 record. A large part of this may be due to Troy Tulowitzki's struggles in this ballpark. Last year at fanfest, Tulo was asked to give his opinion on different ballparks around the league. When they reached the question about his least favorite park, he immediately sat up, leaned forward, and developed almost an angry look on his face as he shook his head and said "I HATE Wrigley".
Tulo's disdain for playing the Cubs in Chicago stems from his .204 average and .541 OPS in 51 plate appearances at Wrigley - His worst mark in any N.L. city. He also has 13 K's and just one walk here.
The Rockies need him to break through this series because they will be facing three tough pitchers in Travis Wood (2.33 ERA), Carlos Villanueva (3.02 ERA), and Jeff Samardzija (3.70 ERA); and as sleepyteak pointed out earlier today, the Cubs are 0-19 when their opponent scores four or more runs this season. Maybe the Rockies can just load the bases right out of the gate and have Tulo hit a Grand Slam in the top of the first? That will take care of two problems before an out is even recorded.
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On the mound for the Rockies tonight will be Juan Nicasio. This game's a big one for him as he's fighting to keep his job in the rotation. Nicasio has failed to pitch more than five innings in each of his last six starts and has been generally unimpressive all year long. If he puts out another lackluster performance tonight against an underwhelming Cubs lineup, he'll be skating on very thin ice.
Lineups
Rockies
1. Eric Young (S) CF
2. Josh Rutledge (R) 2B
3. Carlos Gonzalez (L) LF
4. Troy Tulowitzki (R) SS
5. Wilin Rosario (R) C
6. Todd Helton (L) 1B
7. Nolan Arenado (R) 3B
8. Charlie Blackmon (L) RF
9. Juan Nicasio (R) P
Cubs
1. David DeJesus (L) CF
2. Starlin Castro (R) SS
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano (R) LF
5. Nate Schierholtz (L) RF
6. Cody Ransom (R) 3B
7. Welington Castillo (R) C
8. Darwin Barney (R) 2B
9. Travis Wood (R) P