Arizona @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 28, 2013 ) Colorado 2, Arizona 4

The Colorado Rockies look to hand Patrick Corbin his first loss when they open a three-game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday. Corbin brings a sterling 6-0 record into the matchup between the National League West rivals. Colorado moved within one game of first-place Arizona after winning its third straight against San Francisco on Sunday. Arizona is 4-3 against the Rockies this season.

The Diamondbacks are averaging 2.7 runs in their past 11 games and 3.5 in their past 32, but they could receive a spark atop their lineup later this week if center fielder Adam Eaton is able to return. The speedy Eaton has yet to play because of a strained elbow, but he’s expected to begin the final leg of his minor-league rehab assignment in Triple-A Reno on Monday. While Arizona’s offense is struggling, the Rockies exploded for 31 runs in four games against the Giants.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (6-0, 1.52 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Garland (3-4, 4.89)

Corbin, the first Diamondbacks pitcher to start 6-0 since Brandon Webb (9-0) in 2008, has opened the season with a club-record eight straight starts of at least six innings pitched and two or fewer runs allowed. He threw seven shutout innings against the Braves last Tuesday. Dexter Fowler is 5-for-8 against the 23-year-old Corbin, who is 1-1 with a 5.56 ERA in four career starts against the Rockies.

Garland is facing Arizona for the second time this season after allowing four runs (three earned) over six frames on April 28. Jason Kubel is 9-for-25 with three homers against Garland, who is 3-4 with a 4.59 ERA in nine career starts against the Diamondbacks. He’s been incredibly consistent in his three starts this month, allowing three runs over five innings in each outing. Garland is 4-2 with a 4.50 ERA in seven career starts at Coors Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. Fowler went 4-for-5 on Sunday and has 10 hits in his last 20 at-bats.

2. Diamondbacks closer Heath Bell owns a 0.93 ERA on the road compared to 8.64 at home.

3. Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki, who is batting .341 with 35 RBIs, owns the National League’s best RBI rate while driving in a run once every 3.69 at-bats.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Rockies 3