Arizona @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 11, 2018 ) Arizona 2, Colorado 19

The Colorado Rockies evened their three-game set with the Arizona Diamondbacks in a big way and aim for their fourth straight series victory when they host their National League West rivals for the rubber match on Thursday afternoon. The Rockies avenged a series-opening 5-3 setback with a 19-2 triumph thanks in part to five home runs, including one by starting pitcher German Marquez.

Carlos Gonzalez went deep twice to reach double digits in homers for the 10th consecutive season, drove in six runs and scored four while Ian Desmond was one of three players to notch three hits for the Rockies, who saw 10 of their 19 hits go for extra bases. Desmond homered and recorded five RBIs, matching the total from his previous 12 games. The Diamondbacks registered only six hits and actually owned a 1-0 lead before going on to suffer their first loss in 10 contests at Coors Field and second in 10 overall road games. Paul Goldschmidt put Arizona ahead in the first inning with his 21st blast of the year, giving him 10 RBIs in as many contests this month.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (3-1, 5.23 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (8-6, 3.18)

After giving a strong performance in his return from an oblique injury, Ray has struggled in his last two outings, surrendering 10 runs on 13 hits - five homers - and five walks over 9 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old Tennessean escaped with a no-decision against San Diego on Saturday after yielding four runs on four hits - three blasts - and four walks in 4 1/3 frames. Ray, who owns a 2.78 ERA on the road as opposed to a ghastly 7.97 mark at home, improved to 3-3 in 10 career starts versus Colorado in his season debut on March 30 despite being tagged for seven runs and seven hits - three homers - over five innings.

Freeland had his streak of six straight outings of six or more innings snapped at Seattle on Saturday as he lasted only five and came away with a no-decision despite allowing just one run on five hits and four walks. The 25-year-old native of Denver has worked at least six frames in 12 of his last 14 turns after failing to reach that plateau in three of his first four outings this year. Freeland fell to 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in four career starts against Arizona on June 10, when he surrendered four runs on four hits and as many walks in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado entered Wednesday tied with Milwaukee's Jesus Aguilar for the National League lead with 23 home runs.

2. Arizona's pitching staff took a hit in more ways than one on Wednesday as RHP Shelby Miller exited the loss with tightness in his right elbow while LHP T.J. McFarland left with a stiff neck.

3. Colorado activated RHP Bryan Shaw (calf) from the 10-day disabled list on Wednesday and optioned Jerry Vasto to Triple-A Albuquerque while fellow LHP Zac Rosscup was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Diamondbacks 2