Rockies 2012: Part II Begins Tonight in Denver
The first half of the 2012 MLB seasons is something the Colorado Rockies (33-52) would rather forget. After eighty-five games, the result is nineteen games under .500, and 13 games behind the NL West leading Dodgers. The Rockies kick off the second half of the season tonight, opening a weekend series against the Philadelphia Phillies (37-50) at 6:40 at Coors Field (TV: Root Sports).
The Rockies' victory on Sunday against the Nationals gave them two series wins in their last 11 tries. Since taking a June 1-3 series against the Dodgers, they have dropped 23 of 35 games and seen their standing in the National League West slip from 9 1/2 games to 13. Philadelphia has lost three consecutive series -- most recently a sweep at the hands of the Braves -- and has not won a series outright since June 19-21 against Colorado. Last place in the NL East, the Phillies are in danger of missing the postseason for the first time since 2007.
Both clubs have set their post-break rotation. The Rockies will hand lefty Christian Friedrich the ball tonight, while Cliff Lee will start for the Phillies.
Friedrich has lost five of his last six starts, allowing an average of four runs an outing in that time span. The rookie has yet to face the Phillies in his career. His last start, July 5 at St. Louis, saw him yield six earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.
Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki underwent successful surgery on June 21 to remove scar tissue that was built up over a nerve in his left groin area, with the estimated time of recovery at that time being eight weeks, with four of the estimated eight remaining.
Jeremy Guthrie and Drew Pomeranz will start Saturday and Sunday for the Rockies. Tyler Colvin has hit five homers in his last 10 games, with 11 RBIs and a .286 batting average.
Tickets are available for tonight's game vs. the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field, and can be purchased by calling (800) 388-ROCK, or click here.
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