After a day off on Thursday, the Colorado Rockies and the rest of the Major Leagues (minus the Astros and the Dodgers) start up interleague play again. For the Rockies, who missed out on the earlier weekend of interleague play, the Detroit Tigers come to Coors Field.
The Rockies are 11-7 all-time against the Tigers with a 7-2 record at Coors Field. The most recent series between the teams came in 2008 and 2009. The Rockies were swept in the former, but took two of three in the latter. From 2003-05, the Rockies played four series, three at Coors Field, not once dropping a series.
Entering this series on a two-game win streak, the Rockies will look toward Jason Hammel to keep the team on the path. Hammel fell to 3-6 on June 11 when the Rockies lost to the Dodgers, 11-7. He pitched into the sixth inning, but left after walking two batters. Matt Reynolds allowed both runners to score, putting his final line at 3 runs allowed. Clayton Mortensen and Matt Lindstrom let the game get out of hand by allowing seven runs combined. With the exception of a start or two, Hammel has been able to pitch six or seven innings per game.
The Tigers turn to 22-year-old Rick Porcello, who made one career start against the Rockies in 2009. At Comerica Park, he threw six innings of one-run ball for the victory. After a rough sophomore season in 2010, Porcello has improved this season. He's still allowing around one hit per inning, but he's stranding runners at nearly 79 percent of the time. He brought his 4.92 ERA in 2010 down to 3.61, but his 4.16 FIP is slightly lower than 2010's 4.31. In June he has gone 2-1 in three starts with a 2.75 ERA.
For more on the Rockies, visit Purple Row. For more Tigers coverage, visit Bless You Boys and SB Nation Detroit.