Diamondbacks at Rockies
Many pitchers cringe at the thought of pitching at Coors Field, with its
spacious gaps and video game final scores. Trevor Cahill’s first
experience, though, was a pleasant one, and the Arizona Diamondbacks
hope it wasn’t a fluke. The right-hander will try to pick up the
Diamondbacks when they visit the Colorado Rockies on Thursday in the
finale of their two-game series. Cahill allowed one run, four hits and
struck out six in 7 1/3 innings in Arizona’s 5-2 victory over Colorado
on April 15.
Cahill will have to slow down a Rockies’ offense
which is rejuvenated after returning home from a 2-6 road trip. Colorado
is averaging 3.2 runs and batting .219 on the road, but those numbers
grow to 6.5 and .274 at home. The Diamondbacks have lost 11 of their
last 14 games.
TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, ROOT Sports (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Trevor Cahill (2-4, 3.65 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Juan Nicasio (2-1, 4.65)
Cahill’s
last start was marred when he hit consecutive batters before allowing a
double to pitcher Matt Cain in Arizona’s 5-2 loss to San Francisco on
Saturday, his second straight setback. He has allowed 36 hits in 44 1/3
innings but has created problems for himself with 18 walks. The Rockies’
roster is hitting .175 against Cahill, with Michael Cuddyer 1-for-11.
Cahill’s wins have both come on the road (Washington on May 1).
Nicasio’s
first career appearance against Arizona didn’t go well. He allowed six
runs, five hits and walked six in 2 2/3 innings but the Rockies rallied
for a 7-6 victory April 13. Nicasio has been sharp in three of his last
four starts, but is 1-1 during that span. He allowed one run, five hits
and struck out a season-high nine in his last start, but didn’t receive a
decision in Colorado’s 2-1 loss at Los Angeles on Saturday.
WALK-OFFS
1.
Rockies outfielder Eric Young Jr. has returned to the team from
bereavement leave. Young's grandfather, Otis, died May 6. Young’s father
is Arizona’s first base coach.
2. Colorado backup catcher Wilin Rosario was 0-for-3 on Wednesday but has four home runs and seven RBIs in his last nine games.
3.
Three of the four National League teams with losing records are in the
West: Arizona (7-12), Colorado (9-10) and San Diego (10-14).