Series Preview: Colorado Rockies vs Houston Astros

Jun 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop C. Correa (1) signs autographs before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

SERIES KEYS FOR THE ROCKIES

Score some runs, damnit!

The Rockies scored six total runs in four games in Miami — and only two runs in their first 27 innings. If you take the two home-run first inning off the board from Sunday, the Rockies scored three runs in the other 35 innings of play this weekend in Miami. That’s… bad. And it’s telling, too — the Rockies have to figure out how to score on the road, and how to drive in runners in scoring position when guys do get on base, or else it’ll be two more long games in Houston.

Another test for Rusin, Bettis, and Hale

Neither Bettis, nor Rusin, nor Hale followed up their first few starts with as effective work in their most recent tune-ups. Obviously, considering how well they had been throwing recently, meeting those standards would’ve been a little difficult. Nevertheless, the Houston series will be another good test for all three to see if they can match up against a good team with some power hitters, and come away with a few games the Rockies can steal.

Win without De La Rosa

Obviously, after becoming the Rockies’ all-time winningest pitcher in franchise history on Sunday, De La Rosa won’t throw again until after the Houston series is complete. The Rockies, then, have to fave a good ball club without the near-guarantee that their ace is going to keep them in a game every fifth day — because that fifth day ain’t coming until the next series! Who will step up this week before De La Rosa’s next start?

Salvage a road trip

This one is pretty simple; the Rockies aren’t going to win both in Houston (I mean… I guess they could…) with Dallas Keuchel starting for the ‘stros in game one, but the club needs to at least win one down at Minute Maid Park. And then, at least one (let’s be honest, they need to win both, but, come on) in Denver against these same Astros. Losing three out of four and going 2-6 in the eight between the Marlins and Astros would be a disaster, and telling for just how good the Rockies are (which is not).

Next: Let's Meet The Houston Astros