The Colorado Rockies take the field on Saturday night knowing that Juan Nicasio is recovering from a broken neck after being hit in the head by a ball. The Rockies and Nationals have split the first two games of the series.
Jhoulys Chacin (8-8, 3.38 ERA) is coming off a strong effort against the Philadelphia Phillies. He received a no-decision in the Phillies' 4-3 victory, but he held them to just one run in 7-1/3 innings. He only struck out two, compensating by getting ground ball outs. With Ubaldo Jimenez gone, Chacin is now the ace of this staff.
Former Rockie Livan Hernandez (6-10, 4.08 ERA) was the Nationals' Opening Day starter. After a rough July, Hernandez held the Atlanta Braves to one run in six innings to pick up the victory. He is 4-7 with a 6.99 ERA in 18 career starts at Coors Field. Will the Rockies be able to take advantage of Hernandez's history at Coors?
Notes: Carlos Gonzalez returns to the lineup for the Rockies.
For more on the Nationals, visit Federal Baseball and SB Nation DC. As always, check out Purple Row.