Losers of five straight, the Colorado Rockies go to Washington, D.C. for a three-game series with the Washington Nationals to close out the first half of the season. Unlike Mr. Smith, the Rockies come to Washington with a 15-6 record against the Nationals in D.C. Can they continue to filibuster the Nats in their home territory (not like those filibusters in the Senate--old-time filibusters when guys led expeditions to Central America in attempts to establish little empires there and eventually add the territory to the United States).
Friday night will be a contest of the Jasons with Hammel and Marquis on the mound. Hammel (4-8, 4.31 ERA) is coming off a poor start against the Royals, having allowed six runs in 3.2 innings in the 16-8 loss. But in two career starts in Nationals Park Hammel is 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA. He went seven innings in each start, and he could really use a deep start right now.
The Rockies are familiar with Jason Marquis (7-3, 4.11 ERA) because of his 2009 season in Colorado. He moved on as a free agent in 2010, but injury caused him to miss the Rockies as well as most of the season. He was roughed up even worse than Hammel was in his last start. Marquis allowed seven runs in 1.1 innings and saw the Pirates pick up a 10-2 victory.
Expected pitching matchups:
Friday
Jason Hammel vs. Jason Marquis, 5:05 p.m. MT, ROOT
Saturday
Ubaldo Jimenez vs. John Lannan, 5:05 p.m. MT, ROOT
Sunday:
Jhoulys Chacin vs. Ross Detwiler, 11:35 a.m. MT, ROOT
For more on the Rockies, check out Purple Row. Visit Federal Baseball and SB Nation DC for news and notes on the Nationals.