Rockies Line-Up, July 7 2012: More pitching excellence?

After arguably their best win of the season last night, the Rockies continue on today in the nation’s capital with Jeff Francis (2-1, 5.16 ERA) taking the hill. Francis looks to match his career high with his third straight win today versus the Nationals all-star Gio Gonzalez (11-3, 3.01 ERA). In his last start versus the Braves on July 1 he went 5 innings giving up 4 ER in a 8-4 Nationals win. A win today for Francis would be win #58 in a Rockies uniform, which would tie Jason Jennings for second in franchise history.

The Rockies (32-51) have been successful with Francis on the mound, having won each of his last five outings, including a 4-2 victory over the visiting Nationals on June 25 when he struck out five in five innings. The Rockies love playing in Washington D.C., after the victory last night, since 2008 they have won 11 of 14 at Nationals Park.

Tyler Colvin will look to continue his torrid pace at the plate, he has hit 5 HR in his last 5 games. Against the Nationals (48-33) this season, he has hit .588 (10 for 17) with three homers and nine RBIs in four games versus them. Carlos Gonzalez has also enjoyed the Nationals pitching, having hit safely in all five games against Washington this season, going 10 for 19 with three doubles and six runs scored. Against Gonzalez, he is 2-3 with a double.

Francis will look to cool off Ryan Zimmerman, who is batting .333 with five homers and 17 RBIs in his last 12 games. His HR last night prevented Washington, which had scored 32 runs in its previous four games, from getting shut out at home for the first time this year. Against Francis he is 9-18 with a HR and 3 doubles.

Rockies lineup:

Dexter Fowler CF

Marco Scutaro 2B

Carlos Gonzalez LF

Michael Cuddyer 1B

Tyler Colvin RF

Jordan Pacheco 3B

Wilin Rosario C

Jonathan Herrera SS

Jeff Francis P

Nationals Lineup:

Danny Espinosa 2B