Colorado Rockies open series against the Giants behind Chris Rusin

The Rockies continue their work against the NL West as the Giants roll into town to kick off a three game set. The Giants are six and a half games back of the division leading Dodgers, having dropped five straight coming into today.

Chris Rusin will take the hill for the Rockies, entering tonight’s game at 4-7 on the season with a 4.94 ERA. Rusin is 0-2 since August 22nd, though his last start in Pittsburgh was an encouraging rebound after one of the worst pitching performances in Rockies history against the Mets. The southpaw limited the red-hot Pirates to three runs in six innings, but the difference proved too great for a quiet Rockies offense.

For the Giants, Ryan Vogelsong will make his 22nd start of the year. Vogelsong is 9-10 with a 4.19 ERA.
Distance has been an issue for the veteran right hander this year, who has given the Giants six innings of work only once since the end of June.

Vogelsong is 3-3 with a 6.63 ERA at Coors Field in his 11-year career.

The Rockies will get their first look at rookie second baseman Kelby Tomlinson, who came up in place of an injured Joe Panik. Tomlinson is batting .304 in 26 games for the Giants.

With the lefty Rusin on the mound, first baseman Brandon Belt is not in the Giants' starting lineup. Belt has been a force at Coors Field in his career, hitting .337 with six homeruns.

Brandon Crawford will also not be starting in tonight' game. A left calf contusion has kept the shortstop out of play since Monday. Ehrie Adrianza will make the start in his place.

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<h3>Today's Lineups</h3>

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<th align="left">SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS</th>

<th align="left">COLORADO ROCKIES</th>

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<tr><td class="td-last td-name">Angel Pagan - CF</td><td class="td-first td-name">Charlie Blackmon - CF</td></tr><tr><td class="td-last td-name">Kelby Tomlinson - 2B</td><td class="td-first td-name">Jose Reyes - SS</td></tr><tr><td class="td-last td-name">Matt Duffy - 3B</td><td class="td-first td-name">Carlos Gonzalez - RF</td></tr><tr><td class="td-last td-name">Buster Posey - 1B</td><td class="td-first td-name">Nolan Arenado - 3B</td></tr><tr><td class="td-last td-name">Marlon Byrd - RF</td><td class="td-first td-name">DJ LeMahieu - 2B</td></tr><tr><td class="td-last td-name">Hector Sanchez - C</td><td class="td-first td-name">Ben Paulsen - LF</td></tr><tr><td class="td-last td-name">Juan C. Perez - LF</td><td class="td-first td-name">Wilin Rosario - 1B</td></tr><tr><td class="td-last td-name">Ehire Adrianza - SS</td><td class="td-first td-name">Nick Hundley - C</td></tr><tr><td class="td-last td-name">Ryan Vogelsong - RHP</td><td class="td-first td-name">Chris Rusin - LHP</td></tr></tbody>

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