Miami @ Colorado preview
Coors Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 19, 2012 ) Miami 2, Colorado 3
The Colorado Rockies look to capitalize on a visit from the worst team in the National League when they host the Miami Marlins for a four-game series starting Monday. The Rockies began their 10-game homestand by winning two of three against the Chicago Cubs over the weekend, pulling within 3 1/2 games of NL West-leading Arizona. The Marlins' losing streak reached four games with Sunday's 1-0 setback in 13 innings at Milwaukee, and they haven't scored a run in a franchise-record 37 frames.
Colorado has leaned on its pitching recently, as its starters have compiled a 1.18 ERA over the last six games, and it hopes to see Drew Pomeranz continue that success after struggling in his first three starts this season. Pomeranz makes his second career start against Miami after allowing two runs (one earned) over four innings last season. The Marlins haven't won a series at Colorado since 2008, but that also was the last year the Rockies claimed the season series.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Tom Koehler (1-5, 4.70 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Drew Pomeranz (0-3, 8.76)
Koehler's tenure in the rotation got off to a good start in May, but he has recorded only one quality start in his last six outings and hasn't lasted more than five innings in either of his last two. He worked five frames against Atlanta in his last turn, allowing three runs (two earned) in a no-decision. The 27-year-old never has faced the Rockies.
The Rockies still are waiting for Pomeranz to show the form that made him the No. 5 overall pick in 2010, as he has lost all three of his starts this year. He has yet to pitch more than five innings and has issued 14 walks in 12 1/3 frames. The 24-year-old gave up three runs over four innings in a 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last outing on July 11.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami's 37-inning scoreless streak is the longest in the majors since Houston went 42 frames without a run in 1985.
2. Colorado's starting pitchers have allowed fewer than two earned runs in six straight games. The Rockies are 4-2 over that stretch.
3. The Marlins were 0-for-16 with runners in scoring position in the three-game series with Milwaukee. They are 1-for-27 in those situations over their last five games.
PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Marlins 3