Rockies at Diamondbacks
The Colorado Rockies began the season by battering Arizona's new ace and look to do the same to the Diamondbacks' other prized addition to the rotation when the National League West rivals continue their three-game series at Chase Field on Tuesday. Colorado, which led the NL in runs scored last year and finished one homer behind Los Angeles (187) for first in that category, picked up where it left off, pounding Arizona's Zack Greinke for seven runs and nine hits - three homers - in four innings en route to a 10-5 triumph.
The Rockies may have found a gem in shortstop Trevor Story, who proved winning the starting job with a strong spring was no fluke by becoming the first player in major-league history to belt two homers while making his debut opening day. Arizona was hit-or-miss - literally - at the plate in the opener, registering 12 hits while striking out 13 times. Jake Lamb went deep on his second trip to the plate Monday after homering 10 times in his first 476 major-league at-bats. After seeing Greinke fail miserably at silencing Colorado's bats, the Diamondbacks hope Shelby Miller can do the job as he squares off against fellow right-hander Chad Bettis.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN Arizona Plus
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Chad Bettis (2015: 8-6, 4.23 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Shelby Miller (2015: 6-17, 3.02)
Bettis showed glimpses in his first season as a full-time starter in 2015, producing 11 quality starts in 20 outings after posting a 9.12 ERA in 21 relief appearances the previous year. The 26-year-old Texan finished strong last campaign, allowing a total of five runs - four earned - in 24 innings over his final four turns. Bettis lost his only career decision against Arizona and has yielded 12 runs (11 earned) over 14 1/3 frames in five career meetings (two starts).
The Diamondbacks paid a hefty price to get Miller, sending three prospects - including 2015 first overall draft pick Dansby Swanson - to Atlanta for the 25-year-old. Miller suffered a major league-high for losses last season but deserved a better fate as he posted a 3.02 ERA over 33 outings. He has made five career starts against Colorado, going 2-2 with one shutout and a 3.99 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado (42) and OF Carlos Gonzalez (40), who finished first and third, respectively, in the NL in homers last year, went deep in their season debuts.
2. Arizona CF Chris Owings went 1-for-5 in place of A.J. Pollock, who is slated to undergo potential season-ending surgery on his fractured elbow Tuesday.
3. Colorado RHP Jon Gray, who is on the disabled list with an abdominal injury, could make a rehab start Friday.