Padres at Rockies
The San Diego Padres have already recorded an impressive seven series victories, but need to jump-start their offense in order to add to that figure this weekend. The Padres continue their three-game set against the host Colorado Rockies on Saturday after going 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position in Friday’s 12-2 loss.
Trevor Story went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer while Ian Desmond had three hits to lead the Rockies, who have scored 12 runs in back-to-back games and won three of their last four contests. The top of the Colorado order has been red-hot this month with Nolan Arenado (18-for-36 over his last eight games) and Charlie Blackmon (13-for-34 during his eight-game hitting streak) leading the way. San Diego fell to 10-10 against National League West foes despite three-hit games from Franmil Reyes and Manny Machado. Rookie infielder Ty France struggled after being promoted from Triple-A El Paso last month but could be making a case for more playing time after recording multi-hit games in two of his past three contests.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Joey Lucchesi (3-2, 5.00 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Gray (3-3, 4.22)
Lucchesi allowed three runs on five hits over five innings in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Saturday. The 25-year-old native Californian has given up three earned runs or more in four of his last five starts. Arenado is 5-for-13 with a home run against Lucchesi, who is 4-10 with a 4.96 ERA in 20 career starts versus National League West opponents – including 1-1 with a 3.10 mark in five outings against the Rockies.
Gray is looking to get back on track after allowing a total of 10 runs on 15 hits over his last two starts covering 10 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old has gone 1-1 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts this season at Coors Field, where he owns a career record of 20-9. Wil Myers is 11-for-28 with two homers against Gray, who is 9-3 with a 2.59 ERA in 16 career starts versus San Diego - including 4-1 with a 2.74 mark in eight outings at Coors Field.
WALK-OFFS
1. San Diego has lost three in a row to Colorado for the first time since 2013, when they lost their first six meetings.
2. Machado has reached base safely in 25 of his last 27 games.
3. The Rockies are 30-17 against the Padres in their last 47 meetings at Coors Field.