San Francisco @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 30, 2013 ) San Francisco 5, Colorado 2

A late-August series between the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies appeared as if it could be important in the National League West race a few months ago. Instead, when the Rockies host the Giants on Monday, the teams will be trying to avoid the division basement. San Francisco currently occupies last place but is only two games behind Colorado.

The Rockies are beginning to give their young players more time and are getting strong performances from the likes of Ryan Wheeler and Nolan Arenado. They each had two hits and an RBI as Colorado took the rubber game at Miami on Sunday to clinch a rare road series win. The Giants are coming off a series split after taking the final two from the NL Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Barry Zito (4-9, 5.63 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Juan Nicasio (7-6, 4.79)

Zito is making his second straight start in place of Chad Gaudin, who is on the 15-day disabled list. The former American League Cy Young Award winner was lit up by the Boston Red Sox for six runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 frames last week after spending the previous month in the bullpen. Zito had one of his best starts of the season at Colorado on April 10, when he tossed seven scoreless innings.

Nicasio is looking to complete seven innings for the first time since July 25. The 26-year-old Dominican held the Philadelphia Phillies to two runs (one earned) in 5 2/3 innings on Wednesday but settled for a no-decision. Nicasio is 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA in three starts against San Francisco this season, with the lone win coming at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki (sore ribs) was held out of the lineup on Sunday and is day-to-day.

2. San Francisco CF Angel Pagan (left hamstring) is on a rehab assignment but is not expected back with the team until rosters expand on Sept. 1.

3. Colorado LHP Rex Brothers is perfect in two save chances since closer Rafael Betancourt (elbow) went on the DL.

PREDICTION: Rockies 8, Giants 3