The Colorado Rockies enter this two-game series with the San Francisco Giants on the downswing. They are losers of their last five series and saw the bullpen blow leads late in the last two games with the San Diego Padres. They now are 1.5 games behind the Giants for the division lead.
But a mini-sweep of the team by the bay could put the Rockies back in first with a slight one-half game lead. On the other hand, a sweep by the Giants would put the Rockies 3.5 games behind them. It won't be an easy task for the Rockies, as they will face Tim Lincecum in Monday's game as a result of the postponed Giants game on Sunday.
The last time the Rockies saw Tim Lincecum was on April 18, when he kept the Rockies down for 7.2 innings. He allowed one run and struck out 10. It was the start of a strong of opposing pitcher performances that kept the Rockies hitless late into games (though a no-hitter never occurred). Lincecum's riding two strong performances in which he combined for 21 strikeouts and zero runs in 15 innings.
Clayton Mortensen will take another turn in the rotation with Esmil Rogers out with a shoulder injury. This will be his second start, but his fifth overall appearance. On Thursday, Mortensen relieved Ubaldo Jimenez, but he needed just 24 pitches to get through 2.1 innings. He had started in a 3-2 loss to the Giants on the road in his previous game. Despite four walks, he kept the Rockies in the game after giving up both runs.
Expected Pitching Matchups
Monday, May 16, 6:40 p.m. MT, ROOT
Tim Lincecum vs. Clayton Mortensen
Tuesday, May 17, 1:10 p.m. MT, ROOT
Jonathan Sanchez vs. Ubaldo Jimenez
For more on the Rockies, head on over to Purple Row. To learn about the Giants, visit McCovey Chronicles and SB Nation Bay Area.