Colorado Rockies: Why the Series in Arizona is a Must-Sweep Situation

The Colorado Rockies have gotten off to one of the best starts in baseball resulting in them shooting up to the top 5 in FanSided’s power rankings. However, they just dropped three of four games at home to the Washington Nationals.

Getting back on track quickly is important. Here are three reasons why the Rockies must sweep the Diamondbacks in the next few days.

1. The Rockies and Diamondbacks are a half-game apart at the top of the West standings

Sure, the season is really young right now. But as of right now, Arizona has been the hottest team in the division (along with Colorado). If they were to sweep the D-Backs, they would be up 2.5 games up on them heading into an off day on Monday.

So 2.5 games is not much in baseball? That is true, but it could help the Rockies grow their lead later on. Taking a look at the schedule, Colorado plays a three-game set against San Diego, then hosts the Diamondbacks, World Champion Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers in what will be a pivotal homestand.

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Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks will see a three-game road series against the same Nationals team that flexed their muscles in Denver. If all of the cards fall right, Colorado’s lead in the division could grow … if they get help from Washington.

In addition, the Rockies will be playing at Coors Field. You have to take advantage of this situation.

2. The Rockies need to get the momentum back

A challenging schedule lies ahead for the Rockies, particularly in June and July. This is why they need to get off to an incredible start just to make the playoffs. Up to now, they have done just that. But when you lose three straight in borderline routs, momentum can go away fast. Pulling their record back to eight games above .500 would be huge.

Sweeping this series, followed by San Diego and Arizona again, the Rockies have a chance to have a sensational set of nine games against division foes. Sweeping the D-Backs would set them up to go on a run that could get them up over 20 wins. Gaining their momentum back begins with a sweep, starting later today in Arizona.

3. It is a great opportunity for the starting rotation to get back on track

The Rockies just had three straight days of pitching that were simply awful. With Jon Gray out, the starters have to step up. The Diamondbacks have a red-hot offense right now. It would be a perfect time for Kyle Freeland, Tyler Anderson and German Marquez (Colorado’s three starters in Arizona) to get the pitching back to a solid level.

That will not be an easy task. The pitching will probably need six or seven runs to win the series. But even a decent outing would be a huge support continuation on in the series.

Next: Where Will Ian Desmond Play When He Returns?

The Blake Street Bombers have never won their division. Sweeping this series is step one towards doing so.