San Diego @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 23, 2013 ) San Diego 4, Colorado 10

The Colorado Rockies showcased their dangerous offense in the first series of the season, belting eight homers and scoring 19 runs while taking two of three at Milwaukee. The Rockies look to post similar numbers as they open their home slate with a three-game set against the San Diego Padres on Friday. Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki and Dexter Fowler each contributed a pair of home runs as Colorado recorded 67 total bases against the Brewers. Veteran Jeff Francis attempts to give the Rockies their third quality start in four games.

The Padres avoided the sweep by winning 2-1 at the New York Mets on Thursday. San Diego’s bullpen was solid the last two games, allowing one run on 7 2/3 innings. Rookie infielder Jedd Gyorko started his career with a hit in each of his first three games, but San Diego could only muster eight total runs.

TV: 4:10 p.m., Fox Sports San Diego, ROOT (Colorado).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Jason Marquis (2012: 8-11, 5.22 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Jeff Francis (6-7, 5.58)

Marquis finished the 2012 with five victories in his last seven decisions. The Padres are hoping he can carry that over and win double-digit games for the first time since 2009 with Colorado (15-13). Marquis is 6-5 all time with a 4.22 ERA over 91 2/3 innings against Colorado. Veteran Rockies first baseman Todd Helton is 10-for-32 with three homers and eight RBIs vs. Marquis.

Francis allowed 145 hits over 113 innings in his return to Colorado last season after a year in Kansas City. The left-hander won 44 games from 2005-07 with the Rockies, but has only 20 victories since. Francis has struggled against San Diego with a 6-13 mark and a 5.70 ERA over 137 1/3 innings. Chase Headley has the best numbers against Francis (7-for-19), but the Padres third baseman is on the disabled list.

WALK-OFFS

1. Colorado has lost its last two home openers after beating San Diego 7-0 to start its Coors Field schedule in 2010.

2. CF Cameron Maybin is the only San Diego player to start the first three games and go hitless (0-for-9).

3. Helton has 570 career doubles, two behind Ivan Rodriguez for 20th on the major league’s all-time list.

PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Padres 4.