Padres at Rockies
Off to their best start through 38 games since 2010, the San Diego Padres look to continue their winning ways when they open a three-game series against the host Colorado Rockies on Friday. At 21-17, the Padres have recorded seven series victories behind their young starting rotation, strong defense and power-hitting outfield.
Hunter Renfroe has gone 7-for-17 with three home runs and seven RBIs during his five-game hitting streak, but the highlight from Wednesday’s 3-2 win over the New York Mets may have been the performance by Gerardo Reyes, who impressed during 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. “We don't have too many guys out there right now that can throw 97-99 miles per hour,” San Diego manager Andy Green told reporters. “He’s really confident in big situations, and he came through for us.” Colorado has dropped three of its last five games but escaped with a 12-11 victory against San Francisco on Thursday. Nolan Arenado, Ian Desmond and Mark Reynolds each homered for the Rockies, who have tied a franchise record by allowing four or more runs in 15 consecutive games.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Eric Lauer (2-3, 4.30 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (3-2, 3.46)
Lauer allowed two runs and four hits over five innings in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Friday. The 23-year-old native of Ohio has issued a total of seven walks in his last three starts and failed to pitch past the sixth inning in any of his first seven outings. Lauer is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two career starts versus Colorado – including a rough outing at Coors Field in his major-league debut on April 24, 2018.
Marquez escaped with a no-decision on Sunday after giving up five runs and seven hits over six frames against Arizona. The 24-year-old Venezuelan has posted a 1.55 ERA in four road starts this season compared to a 5.87 mark in four turns at home. Wil Myers is 2-for-13 with a home run against Marquez, who is 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in eight career games (six starts) versus San Diego.
WALK-OFFS
1. Colorado OF Charlie Blackmon has recorded an extra-base hit in seven straight games.
2. The Padres are 17-0 when leading after seven innings.
3. Rockies 1B Daniel Murphy snapped an 0-for-15 skid with a sixth-inning single on Thursday.