The Colorado Rockies enter this weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers nine game out of first place in the NL West. They are riding a five-game winning streak and just went 7-2 on their recent homestand. This could be the time of the Rockies to make their move up the standings.
Part of that five-game winning streak for the Rockies includes two wins over the Dodgers. However, they are back in Los Angeles this weekend and they dropped two out of three at the end of July. After losing 8-5 and 3-2, the Rockies escaped on a Wednesday with a 3-1 victory on the strength of seven shutout innings by Aaron Cook.
On Friday night, though, Esmil Rogers (6-2, 6.00 ERA) will take the mound against the Dodgers. His first appearance after coming off the disabled list in July was in the July 25 game against the Dodgers. In the eighth inning allowed three runs on a ground out and two singles, putting the Dodgers in the lead, 8-1. The offense finally showed up in the ninth, but it was too late. They could only put a four-spot on the board.
In August, Rogers is 2-1 in four starts. He holds a 4.37 ERA but is also allowing nearly two base runners per inning. He's been decent on the road, compiling a 5-1 record and a 4.33 ERA.
Ted Lilly (7-13, 4.58 ERA) is looking to end a four-game winless streak that started with three losses. But he pitched well in those three losses. He allowed just four runs in 21 innings. The start he didn't take the loss in came against the Rockies in Colorado on Aug. 20. He allowed three runs in 4-2/3 innings before leaving with neck stiffness.
First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. MT.
For more on the Rockies, check out Purple Row. For more on the Dodgers, visit True Blue LA and SB Nation Los Angeles.