Colorado @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 1, 2014 ) Colorado 3, Miami 4

Henderson Alvarez made history the last time he took the mound in the major leagues, and the Miami Marlins right-hander looks to start his 2014 with a flourish when the Marlins host the Colorado Rockies in Wednesday’s third game of a four-game set. Alvarez ended Miami’s 100-loss 2013 campaign with a flourish, firing a no-hitter against Detroit that jump-started a productive offseason. The Rockies look to right-hander Jordan Lyles, who makes his Colorado debut after coming over from Houston in an offseason trade for Dexter Fowler.

Colorado has mustered just three runs through the first two games, wasting a three-hit effort from Justin Morneau in Tuesday’s 4-3 loss. Colorado right fielder Michael Cuddyer, last year’s National League batting champion, is 3-for-8 through two games. Miami third baseman Casey McGehee also is off to a good start through the first two contests, following up his two-hit, four-RBI performance on opening night with a hit and an RBI on Tuesday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Colorado), Fox Sports Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jordan Lyles (2013: 7-9, 5.59 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Henderson Alvarez (2013: 5-6, 3.59)

Lyles went 14-29 in three years with the Astros, but posted a 3.18 ERA with a 2-to-1 strikeout ratio in 17 innings this spring. The 23-year-old allowed two runs or less in seven consecutive starts in May and June, a stretch in which Lyles went 3-2 with a 3.11 ERA in 11 starts. He lost in his only career appearance against the Marlins, allowing five runs on seven hits in six innings on July 8, 2011.

Alvarez pitched very well in his final four starts last season, going 2-2 with a 1.61 ERA and a .162 opponents batting average, a stretch punctuated by holding the AL Central champion Tigers hitless Sept. 29. He continued his good work into spring training, striking out 12 while recording a 1.84 ERA in 14 2/3 innings. The 23-year-old dramatically cut down on homers allowed last season, giving up two in 102 2/3 innings after surrendering 29 in 187 1/3 innings in 2012.

WALK-OFFS

1. Only four Marlins have faced Lyles, but 1B Garrett Jones is 7-for-14 with two homers and eight RBIs, posting a 1.605 OPS.

2. Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki has eight RBIs in seven career games at Marlins Park.

3. Miami OF Giancarlo Stanton, who stole one base in 116 games last season, stole third base and later scored in the sixth inning Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Rockies 3, Marlins 2