D’Backs Vs. Rockies Series Preview

Apr. 28, 2013; Phoenix AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher

(46) throws a pitch during the first inning against Colorado Rockies at Chase Field. Image Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports Images

The Colorado Rockies (24-20) just played a great series this past weekend against the San Francisco Giants, and now find themselves just one game back from leading the NL West division. They took advantage of a struggling Giants team that was playing sloppy defense and their pitching was below average at best.

Arizona (25-19) just finished a series with the Miami Marlins where they won two out of three games, and the starting pitching is the main reason they have been playing some of their best baseball this season. The starters for the Diamondbacks have the 4th best ERA in the NL at 3.47.

This is the third time that Arizona will face Rockies this season. Arizona is 4-3 against Colorado this season.

Game 1 (Monday): Patrick Corbin (6-0, 1.52 ERA) vs. Jon Garland (3-4, 4.89 ERA)

The best story this season has been the performance of young lefty Patrick Corbin. He has been the model of consistency in each start this season, as he has thrown at least six innings and has not allowed more than two runs in any of his eight starts this season. He also has the 3rd best ERA in all of baseball behind only Matt Harvey and Clayton Kershaw.

Garland has thrown the ball great in his last three starts, but has only one win to show for it. He has the most experience of any starter in the Rockies rotation, and this has helped the younger members of their rotation. Though, he has had success in his past three starts he has only went five innings in those starts.

Game 2 (Tuesday): Ian Kennedy (2-3, 4.88 ERA) vs. Jhoulys Chacin (3-3, 4.07 ERA)

Kennedy earned a win in his last start against the Atlanta Braves, and this was first victory since Opening Day. Kennedy is 0-1, with 4.50 ERA against the Rockies this year. Kennedy has had success this season when he has been able to pound the strike zone with his fastball. The troubles for him occur when his command is less than stellar.

Chacin will hope to rebound after his last start, where he squandered a six-run lead given to him by Colorado. The biggest reason why he struggled was that he lost his aggressiveness and command of all his pitches.

Game 3 (Wednesday): Trevor Cahill ( 3-4, 2.48 ERA) vs. Jorge De La Rosa (5-3, 3.58 ERA)

Cahill has been great over his past five starts, compiling a  1.36 ERA to go with a 3-1 record. The only concern is that command has been inconsistent as he’s walked 16 batters in that span.

De La Rosa has at times pitched terrific for Colorado this year, and then there are other times where he has had problems locating his pitches.