Colorado @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 26, 2014 ) Colorado 0, San Francisco 3

The San Francisco Giants will try to build off an impressive pitching performance when they continue a four-game set against Colorado on Wednesday. In need of a boost after dropping three straight, including the series opener against the lowly Rockies, the Giants saw Madison Bumgarner deliver a one-hit shutout in Tuesday's 3-0 triumph. Buster Posey provided the offense with a two-run homer and a solo shot as San Francisco opened a 1 1/2-game lead for the second wild card in the National League.

Bumgarner's gem was his second straight strong showing at home, helping to turn around both his and the team's struggles at AT&T Park. The Giants endured a brutal 6-21 stretch at home earlier in the year, a jarring slide that contributed to their tumble from first to second place in the NL West, but have won a respectable five of eight there to right the ship. Colorado had contributed to the cause with four straight wins in San Francisco before Tuesday night's setback.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Colorado), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Franklin Morales (5-7, 5.32 ERA) vs. Giants RH Tim Hudson (9-9, 2.99)

Morales' best start of the season took place at home against San Francisco on April 22, when he allowed a run and struck out a season-high seven in seven innings. He has mostly struggled since then, allowing four runs in three innings of relief against the Giants on June 15 and permitting six runs in four frames Friday versus Miami. Morales owns a 5.49 ERA in 18 starts this year and a 5.68 ERA overall on the road.

Hudson needs six strikeouts to become the 71st pitcher in history to record 2,000 for his career. The veteran gave up one earned run in 5 1/3 frames at Washington on Friday to pick up his first victory since July 19. Hudson, who is 43-12 all-time in August, owns a 5-2 record with a 4.35 ERA in 13 career starts against the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants OF Hunter Pence is 21-for-49 with 13 runs scored in 14 games against the Rockies this year.

2. Rockies OF Charlie Blackmon is 5-for-9 with a double and a walk in his career against Hudson.

3. San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy needs one win to reach 1,600 for his career and to move ahead of Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda for sole possession of 19th place on the all-time list.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Rockies 3