Phillies at Rockies
Coors Field has become a house of horrors for the Philadelphia Phillies, who have lost six in a row and nine of their last 11 games in Denver. The Phillies look to reverse the trend Saturday when they continue their four-game series against the Colorado Rockies, who have won five in a row following an eight-game losing streak.
Charlie Blackmon delivered his second career walk-off homer with two outs in the 12th inning of Friday’s 4-3 win after Bryce Harper gave Philadelphia the lead with an RBI double in the top half of the frame. Harper, who doubled twice and finished with a career-high five hits, has reached base safely in all 19 games this season, and is batting .400 in 85 at-bats (22 games) at Coors Field. The injury bug continues to be an issue for the Phillies, who placed outfielder Odubel Herrera (right hamstring strain) on the injured list Thursday and saw infielder Scott Kingery (right hamstring) and outfielder Andrew McCutchen (left knee inflammation) leave Friday’s contest early. Colorado received a boost Friday from center fielder Ian Desmond, who was dealing with leg soreness but returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Monday and doubled twice.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (1-0, 7.45 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (1-0, 1.35)
Nola allowed five runs on seven hits over four innings against the New York Mets on Monday and has failed to complete seven innings in any of his first four starts. “We are going to do everything in our power to help him get back on track,” manager Gabe Kapler told reporters. “There’s no switch that you can turn on. Just give him all the support in the world, ask him to be the best he can be.” The 25-year-old native of Louisiana is 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA in two career starts versus Colorado.
After missing nearly three weeks with a blister on his right heel, Senzatela allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings in his season debut Monday against San Diego. The 24-year-old native Venezuelan began last season as a long reliever in the Rockies’ bullpen but later moved into the rotation and posted a 3.95 ERA in 73 innings as a starter. Senzatela owns a 4.05 ERA in two career games (one start) against Philadelphia.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blackmon is batting .316 with nine home runs in 43 career games versus the Phillies.
2. Phillies 2B Cesar Hernandez went 0-for-6 with two strikeouts Friday, ending his five-game hitting streak during which he went 9-for-18 with two home runs.
3. Colorado LHP Tyler Anderson (left knee inflammation) is expected to return from the injured list and start Monday’s series opener against Washington.