Milwaukee @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 3, 2013 ) Colorado 7, Milwaukee 3

The Colorado Rockies need to get back on track after winning only three of the first seven on their 10-game homestand following the All-Star break. The Rockies look to take advantage of the struggling Milwaukee Brewers when they open a three-game series on Friday. Colorado may have to do that without its leading home run and RBI producer, Carlos Gonzalez, who left Thursday’s 5-3 loss to Miami with a sprained right middle finger and is day-to-day.

Milwaukee starts a seven-game trip after winning four of the last seven at home, but remains in last place in the National League Central. Carlos Gomez broke out of a slump with seven hits in nine at-bats the last two games for the Brewers, but All-Star Jean Segura is 0-for-13 the last three. Milwaukee, which has a league-low 16 road victories, lost two of three to Colorado at home to open the season.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Wily Peralta (7-9, 4.30 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Tyler Chatwood (6-3, 2.48)

Peralta has been outstanding in his last four starts, allowing one run and 15 hits over 29 1/3 innings while going 2-0. The 24-year-old, who gave up four runs over 5 1/3 innings in a loss to the Rockies during his season debut April 3, has struck out 26 and walked 10 in July. Peralta made his major-league debut against Colorado in relief on April 22, 2012 – giving up one run over one inning.

Chatwood could be in the midst of a breakout season while yielding two runs or fewer in 11 of 13 starts. The 23-year-old gave up five runs (four earned) over 20 2/3 innings in his last three outings while winning two of three decisions. Chatwood, who has surrendered only three homers in 76 1/3 innings, made one career start against Milwaukee last August when he allowed two runs (one earned) in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Colorado OF/1B Michael Cuddyer had two hits Thursday and is 10-for-28 with five RBIs in his last eight games.

2. Milwaukee optioned 1B Sean Halton to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday and recalled RHP Rob Wooten.

3. Rockies starters have a 2.04 ERA in the last 14 games, best in the NL during that span.

PREDICTION: Rockies 5, Brewers 3