The Colorado Rockies lost the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals in traditional 2011 fashion, as several bad bounces and smart baserunning by the Cardinals and a complete lack of timely hitting by the Rockies’ best players proved to be the difference in the game.
The pitching matchup in Game Two won’t help matters very much, as the Cardinals send their young ace Jaime Garcia to the mound. Garcia (10-5) is enjoying another fine season, carrying a 3.23 ERA in 147.2 innings this season. The young lefty has allowed 16 hits and five earned runs in his past two starts, so Colorado may be facing him at the right time.
The Rockies counter by sending their struggling right hander Jason Hammel to the mound. Hammel has been a very successful starter the past two years, but has a 5.14 ERA this season through 136.2 innings. He has only pitched past the fifth inning three times in his last seven starts, and could face difficulties against a powerful Cardinals lineup.
First pitch is scheduled for 5:15 MDT
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