Colorado Rockies

2011 Record: 6-2, 1st in N.L. West

New York Mets

2011 Record: 4-5, 4th in N.L. East (3 GB)

Pitching Matchups

April 11: Jason Hammel vs. Mike Pelfrey. 5:10 PM MT

Last time out Hammel struggled to get through five innings.  He had trouble locating his fastball and gave up two homeruns.  Still, he grinded his way through the outing and kept the Rockies in the ball game.  His line for the outing: 5 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 1 HBP, 1 WP, 2 HR, 1 ND.  Hopefully, he will have much better stuff tonight.

So far this season, Pelfrey has two starts and has thrown a total of 6.1 innings while giving up 11 earned runs.  His ERA is too obscene to put in print, but, just so you know, it’s really high.  Pelfrey’s control has been awful.  He possesses a very solid sinker, but he’s been unable to effectively throw it this season.  It’s important the Rockies make him work tonight — especially early as he has a tendency to melt-down.

April 12: Esmil Rogers vs. Jonathon Niese. 5:10 PM MT

Rogers’ first start of the season went better than anyone could have expected.  The Rockies’ fifth starter dominated the Pirates, going seven innings and only giving up a run.  He gave up two hits in the first and then didn’t surrender another knock until the eighth inning.  He had pinpoint control of an electric fastball and was working with a very effective change-up.  Now he needs to build off that game.

Niese has made two starts this year.  In his first game, against the Marlins, Niese went seven innings and only gave up two runs.  In his second start, against the Phillies, he got rocked, giving up six runs in just four innings of work.  Niese has decent control — two walks this year — but against the Phils, he was catching too much of the plate.  Like with Pelfrey, the Rox need to remain patient and force him to make pitches.
(more…)