Pittsburgh @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 6, 2018 ) Pittsburgh 0, Colorado 2

The Colorado Rockies appear to be emerging from a brief funk and strive for their third straight victory when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. The Rockies put together a run of 20 victories in 26 games before beginning August with four straight setbacks prior to the back-to-back wins.

Colorado recorded a 2-0 victory in the series opener as Kyle Freeland and two relievers combined on a three-hitter. The Rockies managed only five hits as their runs scored on Gerardo Parra's fielder's choice and Chris Iannetta's sacrifice fly. Pittsburgh's Starling Marte was hitless in four at-bats after going 29-for-58 with two homers and 11 RBIs in his first 14 career contests at Coors Field. Two right-handers who have battled testicular cancer in the recent past square off Tuesday as Jameson Taillon takes the mound for the Pirates opposite Chad Bettis of the Rockies.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (8-8, 3.74 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Chad Bettis (5-1, 5.10)

Taillon has won three of his last four starts, allowing fewer than three runs in each of the first three outings. The 26-year-old has yielded three earned runs or fewer in 12 straight outings and 19 of 22 this season. Taillon won his lone career start against the Rockies as he gave up five hits over five scoreless innings on June 12, 2017.

Bettis is making his first start since July 1 due to a blister on his right middle finger. The 29-year-old has gone without a decision in nine of his last 11 outings, recording victories in the other two turns. Bettis defeated Pittsburgh on April 17, when he gave up five hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings, and is 1-2 with a 4.75 ERA in seven career appearances (five starts) versus the Pirates.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Pirates acquired SS Adeiny Hechavarria and cash from Tampa Bay for RHP Matt Seelinger.

2. Colorado OF David Dahl recorded two hits in the series opener in his first start since fracturing his right foot in late May.

3. Pittsburgh's streak of homering in nine straight games at Coors Field ended Monday.

PREDICTION: Rockies 4, Pirates 3