Besides one bad inning, the Rockies were in complete control against the Padres last night and they’ll look to do it again this afternoon. A win today would give the Rockies not just their seventh sweep of the season but their second one against the Padres. The only other sweeps against the NL West the Rockies have is one against the D-Backs.
Trying to provide a spark to turn things around for the Padres is the veteran right hander Jake Arrieta (5-11, 6.88 ERA). Arrieta will be making his Padres debut as he was just let go by the Cubs last Thursday. Arrieta has struggled mightily this season and is in the midst of his worst statistical season as a professional. The 35-year-old had allowed four or more runs in eight of his 20 starts with the Cubs. In his final outing with Chicago on Aug. 11th, he gave up a season high eight earned runs. In 18 1⁄3 career innings at Coors Field, Arrieta holds a 10.13 ERA. This includes the start he made earlier this month as a Cub when he gave up nine hits and a season high three home runs in just four innings.
On the other side, Chi Chi González (3-6, 6.06 ERA) will make his first start since July 23rd. The 29-year-old is making his return off of the COVID-19 IL. He’ll look to finish the final stretch of the season strong as he’s struggled the last two months with a 7.33 ERA in his last nine games. In two starts against the Padres this season, González has managed to hold his own with a 4.50 ERA and a clean 1.000 WHIP.
First Pitch: 1:10 PM MDT
TV: AT&T Sports Net Rocky Mountain; MLB.tv
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)
Lineups:
Finale in Denver. pic.twitter.com/9P8H9SGJRI
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 18, 2021
#Rockies lineup vs. #Padres pic.twitter.com/s2bFw5rpAN
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) August 18, 2021