Rockies Vs. Padres: Battle For Last Place In NL West

Heading into this season, most analysts predicted the San Diego Padres would likely finish last in the NL West Division. They have some company in the cellar, as the Colorado Rockies rough 2012 season continues. Just 2.5 games separate these teams in the standings as Colorado heads to San Diego for a three game series.

The Rockies will send one of their bright young pitchers, Drew Pomeranz (1-4, 3.79) to the mound. The young lefty faced the Padres at Coors Field in his return start from AAA and dominated San Diego, allowing only two hits in six innings.

San Diego will counter with veteran (and former Rockies pitcher) Jason Marquis (4-9, 5.59), who has been mostly effective for the Padres. In his last start, Marquis allowed just two runs in six innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Padres offense has carried the team lately -- they are 12-8 in their past 20 games -- led by trade acquisition second baseman Alexi Amarista. Acquired from the Los Angeles Angels earlier this season, the 23 year old is hitting a remarkable .371 the past month for San Diego.

TV/RADIO: ROOT, 850 KOA

TIME: Friday, July 20, 2012 at 8:05pm MT

LOCATION: PetCo Park, San Diego, CA

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