Rockies Line-up, June 8 2012

The Rockies hope to continue their recent success at home, as they open up inter-league play with a weekend series against the Los Angeles Angels.The Rockies raised the hopes of many fans during their last home stand, where they won six out of seven games. The Offense came alive with purpose driving in 58 runs during the seven game stretch. Unfortunately, the same pitching issues that have plagued the team all year came back with a vengeance during the last two games against Arizona. Jeremy Guthrie lasted only 3.1 innings allowing seven runs on 11 hits, including two-run homers to Aaron Hill and Jason Kubel. Then the next night, Josh Outman lasted only 3 innings allowing five earned runs on seven hits. The Rockies have entered a brutal stretch in their schedule. After this six game home stand against the Angles and Athletics, they then go on the road to face Detroit, Philadelphia, Texas and then return home to face Washington. This upcoming stretch for the Rockies is critical if they want to return to a respectable level.

Albert Pujols loves Coors Field. In 36 career starts in Denver, Pujols has 32 RBI and nine home runs. Pujols’ struggle to adapt in the American has been no secret this season, but he seems to have figured it out lately. Pujols is batting .316 over his last 25 games with seven homers and 20 RBI. Pujols will be moved over to third in order to keep Kendrys Morales in the lineup. Morales has three homers and five RBI in his last three games, including a homer and 3 RBI on Wednesday.

The Angles are trying to break out of a slight slump hoping to aviod a fourth loss in five games. Starter CJ Wilson is just the man for the job. Wilson is 6-4 with a 2.54 ERA in 12 starts this season, If he picks up the win tonight, he will become the seventh active pitcher with at least 50 victories and 50 saves.

Dexter Fowler CF

Marco Scutaro SS

Carlos Gonzalez LF

Micheal Cuddyer RF

Todd Helton 1B

Jordan Pacheco 3B

Willin Rosario C

DJ LeMahieu 2B

Alex White P

Mike Trout CF

Torii Hunter RF

Albert Pujols 3B

Kendrys Morales 1B

Mark Trumbo LF

Howie Kendrick 2B

Erick Aybar SS

John Hester C

C.J. Wilson P