Rockies at Cubs, August 26 2012: Game Time, Lineups, And Preview

Rockies at Cubs 12.20 P.M. MT

The Rockies (51-74), winners of 6 of their last 7 games and 13 of 19, look to continue their hot streak today at the Chicago Cubs (48-77). On the hill today in his second start from returning from the DL is Jhoulys Chacin (1-3, 6.16 ERA). In his first game after coming off the DL, Chacin pitched 6 effective innings only allowing 4 hits and 1 run in a 6-2 Rockies win over the New York Mets at Citi Field. He will face the Cubs Chris Volstad (0-9, 6.88 ERA). In his last start against the Cincinatti Reds, Volstad also went 6 innings but gave up 7 hits and 4 ER whilst earning a no decision in a 5-4 loss.

Chacin has had mixed success against the Cubs. At Coors Field at the beginning of last season he threw a complete game shutout in a 5-0 Rockies win. However at Wrigley Field the Cubs have had his number, he is a career 0-2 there with a 7.59 ERA. Remarkably, Volstad has not won a game in 24 consecutive starts (going back to his days with the Miami Marlins). In that horror stretch he is 0-14 with a 5.54 ERA.

The Rockies young players have really stepped up in this recent winning stretch. In yesterday’s game, Andrew Brown hit his first career HR and Josh Rutledge added a pinch hit, 2 run HR in the 4-3 victory. However, arguably the biggest improvers have been the pitching staff. Over the last 7 games they have posted a 1.74 ERA, including a 1.16 ERA from the bullpen.

The Rockies will need to keep an eye on rookie Brett Jackson today, who has homered in his last 2 games against the Rockies. Overall, the Cubs batting lineup is struggling, they are in a 5-19 stretch (.211 average combined).

Rockies Lineup:

Charlie Blackmon RF

DJ LeMahieu 2B

Jordan Pacheco 1B

Carlos Gonzalez LF

Wilin Rosario C

Tyler Colvin CF

Chris Nelson 3B

Jonathan Herrera SS

Jhoulys Chacin P

Cubs Lineup:

David DeJesus RF