Rockies Line Up, June 30 2012. 3 in a row?

Christian Friedrich will look to stop a personal 4 game slide tonight against the San Diego Padres (28-50). In his last start June 26 versus the Washington Nationals, Friedrich (4-5, 5.86 ERA) only went 4.1 IP and gave up 4 runs in a 12-5 loss. Friedrich will try to get back to the form he had in his major league debut (which was versus the Padres on May 9) when he went 6 IP with 7 K’s in a 6-2 win. The last time the Rockies won 2 in a row was June 4 when Friedrich went 7 IP in a 4-0 win at the Diamondbacks. He will try to follow Jeff Francis‘ strong effort last night (6 IP, 82 pitches) which was the first win by a Rockies starter since Friedrich’s win at Arizona on June 4. The Rockies have not won 3 in a row since they won 5 straight games May 28-June 1.

Friedrich will match up against the Padres’ Edinson Volquez (4-7, 3.82 ERA). In his last start versus the Mariners, Volquez went 6 2/3 innings and allowed only 4 hits in a 2-0 Padres win. Before that start however, Volquez was only 1-5 with a 5.72 ERA in his previous 7 starts. The Rockies will look to work him into deep counts, as Volquez has given up at least 3 walks in each of his last 8 starts. His 5.15 walks per nine innings is the 2nd worst ratio in MLB.

Christian Friedrich hopes to help the Rockies win their third game in a row tonight. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

The Rockies offense will try to continue on their tear (21 runs and 29 hits) in the last 2 games. The offense has been lead by Carlos Gonzalez who is batting .455 (35 for 77) with 7 HR and 20 RBI’s during an 18-game hitting streak at home. Tyler Colvin has also been swinging a red-hot bat in June, he has a .344 avg, 1.122 OPS, 5 HR and 17 RBI. Michael Cuddyer enjoys facing the Padres, against them he has a .360 avg, 2 HR and 6 RBI.

Rockies lineup today versus the Padres:

Dexter Fowler CF

Marco Scutaro SS

Carlos Gonzalez LF

Michael Cuddyer RF

Todd Helton 1B

Jordan Pacheco 3B

Chris Nelson C

Wilin Rosario C

Christian Friedrich P

Padres lineup:

Chris Denorfia RF