Colorado @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 12, 2013 ) Colorado 7, San Diego 5

While it doesn't appear the Colorado Rockies have nearly enough pitching to contend in the National League West, Jhoulys Chacin is doing his best to prove the doubters wrong. The 25-year-old Venezuelan will try for his third straight quality start when the Rockies visit the San Diego Padres on Saturday. Chacin, who has a career road ERA of 2.99, should also be confident facing the Padres after holding them to one run in Sunday's 9-1 victory at Coors Field.

Colorado has won all four meetings with San Diego this season following Friday's come-from-behind 7-5 victory. Dexter Fowler homered twice - including a solo shot to break a 5-5 tie in the ninth inning - and shares the major-league lead with six. The Padres, one of the worst offense teams in the majors, figure to get even weaker when Carlos Quentin begins serving his eight-game suspension for charging the mound in Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Colorado), Fox Sports San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jhoulys Chacin (1-1, 1.35 ERA) vs. Padres RH Edinson Volquez (0-2, 10.00)

Chacin offered a simple explanation to his fast start. "I think I am more focused," he told the Denver Post. "I'm not worrying about anything, just trying to make my pitches. ... Just focus, get in a rhythm and keep the ball down and get ground balls." Chacin was Colorado's Opening Day starter and allowed one run and three hits while striking out six at Milwaukee on April 1, but did not receive a decision. The Padres' roster is hitting .192 against Chacin.

Volquez opposed Chacin on Sunday and allowed three runs on four extra-base hits in the first inning. The 29-year-old Dominican Republic native settled down to allow one run and five hits over the next five innings, though. Volquez was hit even harder in his first start, allowing six runs and six hits in three innings in San Diego's 11-2 loss at New York on Opening Day. Carlos Gonzalez is 7-for-15 against Volquez, who is 3-4 with a 4.81 ERA in eight starts against the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Quentin went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Friday as he appeals his suspension.

2. Rockies 1B Todd Helton went 3-for-4 on Friday with an RBI double to improve his average to .200.

3. San Diego CF Will Venable had his streak of 18 straight stolen bases come to an end when he was cut down by Wilin Rosario on Friday.

PREDICTION: Rockies 3, Padres 2