Rockies at Brewers
On the seventh day, God rested. So do the Colorado Rockies – at least many of their regulars. The Rockies, who lost a major league record 17 straight Sunday games last season, are 0-2 in 2012 entering the finale of their three-game series at Milwaukee. Part of the problem is the Rockies usually play Saturday night and manager Jim Tracy likes to sit some of his starters – such as veteran Todd Helton – the following day as five bench players started each Sunday game this season. It seems to have rubbed off on the Brewers, who have lost their first two Sunday games this season.
A pair of veteran right-handers – Colorado’s Jeremy Guthrie and Milwaukee’s Yovani Gallardo – will take the ball. Guthrie picked up the strep throat that was going around the clubhouse and was ineffective in his last outing. Gallardo has turned in two straight quality starts since being roughed up by the St. Louis Cardinals on opening day, but has not fared well against the Rockies in the past. He will also have to deal with Troy Tulowitzki, who is hitting .402 with eight homers and 22 RBIs against the Brewers in his career.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Colorado), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jeremy Guthrie (1-1, 7.79 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (1-1 4.58 ERA)
When pitchers switch leagues, many times they have the early advantage. Guthrie’s career in Colorado got off to a successful start when he won 5-3 at Houston on opening day, but he has allowed six runs in each of his last two starts, including a 7-1 loss to San Diego on Monday. Guthrie has never pitched against the Brewers but has faced three of its players, including Alex Gonzalez (5-for-9).
Gallardo allowed three runs in 14 innings over his last two starts with 13 strikeouts. He struck out seven in seven innings and received a no-decision in Milwaukee’s 5-4 victory over the red-hot Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. Gallardo is 0-4 lifetime against the Rockies with a .669 ERA. The Colorado roster hits a whopping .333 against Gallardo, with its top three bats – Tulowitzki (6-for-15), Carlos Gonzalez (5-for-11) and Helton (6-for-16) – having the most success.
WALK-OFFS
1. Alex Gonzalez had three hits and drove in four runs – including a three-run homer – in Milwaukee’s 9-4 victory Saturday.
2. Colorado reliever Matt Belisle, who struck out two in two-thirds of an inning Friday, has allowed one hit in 5 2/3 innings.
3. National League Most Valuable Player Ryan Braun ended a 0-for-16 drought with a homer and triple Saturday.