Colorado Rockies: 3 things to watch in the Diamondbacks series

The Colorado Rockies are set to take on their division rivals, the Arizona Diamondbacks, for a three-game homestand this weekend.

The last time the two teams faced off, the Diamondbacks took three out of four games in Phoenix, part of Colorado’s dreadful 2-17 record away from Denver. Needless to say, Rockies fans should be very glad the D-Backs are coming to Coors Field for this series, where the Rox hold a much better mark of 13-12.

Here are 3 things to watch when the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks meet this weekend.

Will Raimel Tapia continue his hitting streak vs. the D-Backs?

Last time Colorado and Arizona faced off, Raimel Tapia had eight hits, scored four runs, and held a series batting average of .500. While he’s been cold at the plate recently (3-for-24 in his last seven games), Rockies fans are hoping Tapia will rediscover his success at the plate against the D-Backs and help lift Colorado to victory.

Trevor Story could be key to winning the series

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During the last series against the Diamondbacks, shortstop Trevor Story had six hits, five RBI, and a pair of home runs. Story’s success (or lack thereof) at the plate could easily dictate the outcome of the series. Like Tapia (and many of the Rockies as of late), Story has struggled at the plate in recent games, going 4-for-30 over the last seven games and not logging an RBI.

Germán Márquez on the mound

Germán Márquez will make his 10th start of the season on Friday night against the Diamondbacks. Márquez currently holds an ERA of 5.56 on the year, but will be looking to knock down the Arizona lineup to improve that.

In his last start, despite giving up four runs, Márquez dealt eight strikeouts through a six-inning outing against the Cincinnati Reds. There’s no doubt that the right-hander will be trying replicate those K numbers again.

The Rockies are certainly in need of a bounceback after being swept and suffocated at the plate in San Diego by the Padres. Will these three players boost Colorado’s spirits in a quick stop at home before hitting the road to visit the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates? We’ll find out, starting on Friday night.