The curse was finally broken in San Diego for the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. Thanks to a 4-2 victory, the Rockies snapped a six-game losing streak as well as a 41-inning scoreless stretch in San Diego. With 41 wins, the Rockies are now guaranteed to avoid sole possession of the worst record in MLB’s Modern Era.
Bradley Blalock (1-4, 8.62 ERAA) will take the hill for the Rockies in place of Chase Dollander, who was placed on the injured list with a knee issue. Blalock will certainly be looking
for better fortune than his last few starts in the big leagues. After a spectacular turn in July to the tune of a 1.59 ERA, Blalock struggled to a 12.21 ERA in August through three starts. His command all but disappeared as he issued 11 free passes against six walks before being sent back to Triple-A Albuquerque halfway through the month. In 16 1/3 innings over four starts, Blalock recorded a 9.37 ERA with the Isotopes with 19 strikeouts against seven walks. With the season winding down, the Rockies need Blalock to find the form he showed in July and pound the zone with quality strikes.
The Padres will counter with Dylan Cease (7-11, 4.71 ERA). Despite the down year, Cease remains a high-quality pitcher and he looked the part against the Rockies in his last start. He went five innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out five against two walks. Cease as labored through his two starts this month, despite the lack of damage against him. The Rockies have been impatient in the box on the road trip, meaning they will need to bear down and make Cease work and jump on his mistake pitches. A few more innings like Friday’s fourth inning would be a welcome sight.
First Pitch: 6:40 p.m. MDT
TV: Rockies.tv
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)
Lineups:
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