Pirates at Rockies
The Colorado Rockies conclude a truly dismal month on Saturday when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. The Rockies have lost 10 of their last 12 and fallen a season-low 18 games under .500, while the Pirates have won six of their last eight.
Melky Cabrera blasted a three-run homer and Starling Marte had three hits and scored four runs in Friday’s 9-4 victory while Josh Bell recorded three hits and two RBIs. Bryan Reynolds doubled twice while batting second in front of Marte, who is 15-for-38 with one home run and four RBIs during his nine-game hitting streak. Colorado trailed 6-1 midway through Friday’s contest but battled back behind Ian Desmond, who finished 3-for-4 with a double and a solo blast. Trevor Story hit his first career leadoff home run and is batting .474 with six home runs and 11 RBIs during his 15-game home hitting streak.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet (Pittsburgh), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (8-12, 4.67 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Tim Melville (1-0, 0.75)
Musgrove is still seeking his first victory of the month after giving up two runs over six frames in a no-decision against Philadelphia last Monday. The 26-year-old native of San Diego is 0-3 with a 6.67 ERA in five outings this month with 27 strikeouts against five walks across 27 innings. Desmond has two hits in 11 at-bats against Musgrove, who was a tough-luck loser in his only previous outing against Colorado on Aug. 6, 2018, when he gave up two runs (one earned) over seven innings at Coors Field.
Melville continued to surprise with another strong outing last Monday, when he tossed five scoreless innings in a no-decision against Atlanta. “It was awesome to see,” Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado told reporters. “He didn’t give in. I hope some of our pitchers were watching. He made the right pitches at the right time.” The 29-year-old rookie was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Aug. 21 and has allowed just one run over his first two starts covering 12 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Pirates have averaged 7.2 runs over their last 17 games at Coors Field since July 27, 2014
2. Colorado RHP Jeff Hoffman is expected to start Sunday’s series finale.
3. Pittsburgh 3B Colin Moran is 14-for-37 with two home runs and 11 RBIs during his career-high 10-game hitting streak.