Series Preview – Dodgers

The Rox have to feel lucky to take two games against the Brewers, both thanks to late-inning heroics from Troy Tulowitzki. The Rockies begin a divisional road trip in LA, against a Dodgers team that is 2 games behind the Rox in the Wild Card race.

Probable Starters

Chacin (5-8, 4.04) vs. Kershaw (10-7, 3.17)

Hammel (8-7, 4.42) vs. Kuroda (8-11, 3.53)

De La Rosa (4-3, 4.99) vs. Lilly (3-0, 1.89)

Three Questions

Can the Rockies hit on the road against the tough LA starters? The Rox need to try and be patient at the plate and run up some high pitch counts against the starters. The Dodger bullpen has been weak all season, and the sooner the Rockies can face LA’s relievers, the better.
Can Huston Street recover from a tough couple of games? After a loss and a blown save, will Huston Street be mentally ready the next time Jim Tracy calls his number? The blown save wasn’t entirely his fault, as Clint Barmes lost a high pop up in the swirling winds on Sunday that allowed the Brewers to tie the game. Closers need short memories, so let’s hope Street can quickly forget this past weekend.
Can the Rox win on the road? Every road trip from here on out is vital to the Rox playoff hopes. With 3 games in LA and 3 games against the hapless D-Backs, the Rox really need to go .500 on this trip. A 2-4 record would be disappointing, but going 1-5 or 0-6 on a quick trip against divisional foes would be devastating.

Series to Watch

Rox fans should watch the Giants as they travel to Philadelphia. These two teams top the Wild Card standings, and Rockies supporters should root for the Giants, simply because the Rox have more opportunities left against them.

Schedule