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If the Rockies want to be considered serious contenders this year one of the first steps would be to take a series against the defending World Champion San Francisco Giants. The Rockies are one win away from doing just that.
After dropping their first four games against the Giants this year and 10 straight to them overall, the Rockies are now seeking an all important third straight win against them (as important as a May 19th game can be).
Vaunted Rockie killer Barry Zito takes the hill sporting a 3-2 record along with a 3.40 ERA he will be opposed by Juan Nicasio 3-1 5.13 ERA. Nicasio may be pitching for his rotation life and in order to stay with the big league club the Rockies will need both length and effectiveness from him today.
In Nicasio's last start he was able to pitch six innings,a high watermark for him this year, however,he was not effective surrendering five runs to a weak Cubs offense. He will be facing a better offense today, albeit one that will not include reigning MVP Buster Posey or renaissance man Marco Scutaro.
In an attempt to help Nicasio along, Yorvit Torrealba will be catching Nicasio looking to provide the kind of veteran leadership and guidance that was a big reason the Rockies retained his services after Spring Training this year. Nolan Arenado will see his first day off since joining the team and Todd Helton will receive his customary day game rest after a night game.
Lineups:
Rockies
1. Eric Young Jr. RF
2. Dexter Fowler CF
3. Carlos Gonzalez LF
4. Troy Tulowitzki SS
5. Jordan Pacheco 1B
6. D.J. LeMahieu 3B
7. Josh Rutledge 2B
8. Yorvit Torrealba C
9. Juan Nicasio P
Giants
1. Angel Pagan CF
2. Brandon Crawford SS
3. Pablo Sandoval 3B
4. Hunter Pence RF
5. Brandon Belt 1B
6. Gregor Blanco LF
7. Guillermo Quiroz C
8. Nick Noonan 2B
9. Barry Zito P
Go Rockies!