Colorado @ San Diego preview
PETCO Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 9, 2013 ) Colorado 1, San Diego 2
The San Diego Padres look to make it back-to-back victories for the first time in nearly three weeks when they host the Colorado Rockies in the rubber match of their three-game series. San Diego edged Colorado 2-1 on Tuesday, snapping its 10-game losing streak behind a strong performance by Eric Stults. The left-hander came within one out of his third career shutout as he settled for his fourth complete game in the major leagues - and second this season.
Alexi Amarista drove in both runs for the Padres, who recorded just their third win in 17 games and first since topping the Marlins in Miami on June 28. San Diego hasn't won consecutive contests since defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 20-21. The Rockies also have struggled of late, with Tuesday's loss being their seventh in the last nine games.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Colorado), FSN (San Diego)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa (8-5, 3.19 ERA) vs. Padres RH Andrew Cashner (5-4, 3.82)
De La Rosa is coming off just his second loss in 12 starts as he allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings at Arizona on Friday. The 32-year-old Mexican has yielded fewer than four runs 10 times in that span, keeping opponents off the scoreboard on three occasions. De La Rosa, who gave up four runs over five frames in a no-decision against San Diego on June 7, is 5-2 with a 5.21 ERA in 17 career games (13 starts) vs. the Padres.
Cashner made his shortest start of the season Friday, surrendering six runs and five hits in two-plus innings at Washington. It was the first defeat in six outings for the 26-year-old, who went 1-0 while allowing three or fewer runs in each of his previous five turns. Cashner lasted seven innings in his second career start against Colorado on June 6, yielding three runs and seven hits en route to a no-decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cashner is 4-1 with a 2.38 ERA in eight home games - six starts - this season.
2. Colorado is 7-3 against National League West-rival San Diego this year.
3. Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez has missed two straight games with an injured middle finger on his right hand.
PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Padres 3