Coming off a back-and-forth 7-6 victory over the New York Mets on Monday night, the Colorado Rockies send Esmil Rogers out to the mound for Tuesday's contest. Rogers threw a gem in his first of the season when he pitched in the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Picking up the win, he limited the Pirates to one run on four hits and a walk in 7 1/3 innings, striking out seven in the process. It was an Ubaldo-like performance, but can he repeat it?
The Mets will counter with Jon Niese, who is making his third start of the season. Niese started off well enough when he allowed two runs in seven innings on April 2 against the Marlins, but he received a no-decision because he departed with the game tied. Closer Francisco Rodriguez blew the save opportunity after the Mets had a lead entering the bottom of the ninth. Three runs in the top of the 10th gave the Mets the victory.
Niese's second start came against the Philadelphia Phillies, an offensive juggernaut so far this season. Niese allowed six runs before leaving after four innings of work, but he did strike out seven batters (Philly's offense averages 6.56 runs per game and has a major league-best .865 OPS).
Game time is scheduled for 5:10 p.m. MT, but rain is in the forecast throughout the day and likely into Wednesday.