Rockies Line-up August 8, 2012: Triple Treat Sweep?

The Rockies (40-68) look to accomplish a very rare sweep tonight against the Dodgers (59-52). The last Rockies sweep this year was against the Astros way back at the end of May. It has been nearly 5 years since the Rockies swept the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine, which was September 25-27, 2007. Headed to the mound tonight trying to help achieve it is Jeff Francis (3-4, 6.02 ERA). Francis, who started slow in his first game but then won 3 in a row, has struggled with consecutive poor outings. In his last start versus the Giants on August 4, he only went 3 2/3, giving up 9 hits and 6 earned runs and struggled to throw strikes. Francis has also struggled against the Dodgers. In his last 4 starts against them he is 0-2 with a 5.75 ERA.

Going tonight for the Dodgers is Chad Billingsley (7-9, 3.74 ERA). In his last game against the Cubs on August 3, he was impressive in only giving up an earned run in 7 innings pitched. In his last 3 starts since returning from the disabled list, he has allowed a 0.89 ERA with all of them being victories. However, he has struggled against the Rockies, he is 0-2 with a 6.38 ERA in his past three starts.

Easily the Rockies hottest hitter right now is Josh Rutledge, who since being called up from double-A Tulsa to replace the injured Troy Tulowitzki, he is hitting .356 with 6 homers, 9 doubles and 18 RBIs in 22 games. Last night he was the Rockies offense, accounting for all 3 Colorado runs with a career-high 4 hits including 3 doubles.

Rockies Line-up:

Eric Young LF

Josh Rutledge SS

Dexter Fowler CF

Wilin Rosario C

Tyler Colvin RF

Jordan Pacheco 3B

Matt McBride 1B

DJ LeMahieu 2B

Jeff Francis P

Dodgers Line-up:

Shane Victorino LF