Philadelphia @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 9, 2012 ) Colorado 4, Philadelphia 7

The Colorado Rockies will attempt to push forward without star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, and perhaps other key players, when they open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field on Friday. Tulowitzki reportedly suffered a broken rib Thursday against Washington and could require up to six weeks to recover. Outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Dexter Fowler also were hurt, although their injuries are not considered serious.

The Rockies are 3-4 on their 10-game homestand after dropping two of three against the Nationals. If history is any guide, the Phillies will be able to kick them when they're down. Philadelphia, which is coming off a 3-2 triumph at Minnesota, won seven of nine meetings in 2012 and has taken a remarkable 27 of the last 33 encounters with Colorado dating to Sept. 2007.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, PHL 17 (Philadelphia), ROOT Sports (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Kyle Kendrick (6-4, 3.22 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Juan Nicasio (4-2, 4.61)

Kendrick is winless in his last three road starts but owns a 2.63 ERA in six outings away from home this year. The right-hander is one of a handful of National League pitchers with at least 10 quality starts, including three straight. After some early struggles in his career against the Rockies, Kendrick has posted a 3.31 ERA in his last six outings (five starts).

Nicasio has made 37 career starts but never has faced the Phillies. He is coming off a solid six-inning effort in a win over San Diego on Sunday. The 26-year-old, who has allowed just one home run over his last 33 innings, has gone 17 straight starts without lasting more than six frames but has reached that mark in four of his last six outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia has won 11 of its last 14 at Coors Field during this run of dominance against Colorado.

2. Rockies RF Michael Cuddyer (ribs) returned from a one-week layoff Thursday. He was 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored and is hitting .383 during an 11-game hitting streak.

3. The Phillies entered Thursday averaging 3.06 runs per game on the road, worst in the majors.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Rockies 3