Chad Bettis takes on Jeff Locke as the Rockies host the Pirates

The Colorado Rockies are back in action tonight as they host the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first of a four-part series. The Rockies are coming off of a barnburner of a game that finished 12-10 in the Dodgers' favor after Jake McGee was shelled to the tune of five earned runs in less than an inning of work, blowing the save in the process. The only reason I felt the need to mention that sad factoid is because last night, reading through the comments, you'd think the dude has given up 55 runs in like, 12 innings. Just a friendly reminder that one game is just that, one game. Let's all take a deep breath and turn ourselves to the task at hand, which is of course rooting for the Rockies to make Jeff Locke revisit the horror that was his last outing by laying a good ol' fashioned Coors Field beating on him.

Locke, who takes the mound for the Pirates tonight, was recently beaten up by the Padres for eight runs in just three innings of work while doing his best impression of an early-2016 version of Jordan Lyles or Jorge De La Rosa. Although he induced 11 ground balls from the 22 batters he faced, he surrendered 11 hits and walked another four. Speaking of free passes, Locke issued a whopping seven of them in just 4 2/3 innings in his start against the Brewers. Knowing this, the Rockies should be looking to force Locke throw strikes or else just gladly accept a free base all day. Also knowing the Rockies, however, I guess I won't be shocked to see Locke whiff eight and walk none. Call me cynical.

Taking the hill for the Rockies will be Chad Bettis. Excuse me, I mean the Rockies ace pitcher, Chad "TOR" Bettis, who, joking aside, has been great for the Rockies with an ERA of 3.33. Bettis has gone at least six innings in his past three starts, so let's hope he can keep it up because the arms in the bullpen could use a rest. The righty most recently took a loss in his last outing against the Reds, allowing three runs on three hits and fanning five while walking none in a pretty efficient display, needing 78 pitches before being replaced.

The Pirates lineup is good, like really good. In fact, every player listed below, other than Locke, is hitting at least .300. On the other hand, Nolan and Trevor combined have more homers (15) than the entire Pirates lineup does (5). Given the firepower of both teams, this series has all the makings of some seriously high-scoring affairs. Should be a good game regardless. Check out Ryan Schoppe's weekly Know Your Foe edition of the Pirates here in case you missed it.

Today's Lineups

How to Watch

TV: ROOT Sports

Radio: KOA 850, KNRV 1150 (Sp.)

MLB GameDay: Link