Looking Ahead: To Sending A Message

Not to the Dodgers.

The Rockies need to send a message to themselves. A message that includes...

• The Dodgers aren't so damn tough,
• We can win a series in LA.

Again, you know how important these getaway games are to me. This one is especially huge. A series win in LA would do wonders for the Rockies confidence. It would also be great to head into the Phillies series record with a winning record.

If you do that, and then you steal one or possibly two from Philly, you're set up pretty well as the schedule lightens up for the next two weeks. Still have to take care of business of course, but you can really get yourself into a great position. Let's hope they get it done with Ubaldo.

Ubaldo Jimenez vs. Clayton Kershaw

I take it you're familiar with Ubaldo Jimenez?

Yeah?

Great.

Kershaw is an enigma. We should know that first hand. We've seen the best of him. We've seen the worst. And we've seen the bizarre five innings of six walks, six strikeouts, two runs, on 115 pitches.

There's no way of telling which we'll see this afternoon, but playing the odds based on his awful start last time against Milwaukee, he's probably due for something a little better than his average game.

Whatever the case, the Rockies would just be wise to work the pitch count. If that means striking out a few times early... well, we'll have to live with that. If that leads to a few walks and an early exit, then you're probably be in good shape. Especially with Ubaldo out there.

My Lineup Card

CF Fowler
LF Spilborghs
SS Tulowitzki
RF Gonzalez
1B Mora
C Olivo
3B Stewart
2B Barmes
P Jimenez

Simulation

Rockies 9, Dodgers 8

Another exhausting slugfest... even with Jimenez and Kershaw on the mound.

Offense

• Fowler: 2-for-5, 2 R
• Mora: 3-for-5, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R
• Tulowitzki: 1-for-3, GW HR Top 9th, 3 errors
• Olivo: 2-for-5, HR, 2 RBI

Pitching

• Jimenez: 5 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
• Belisle: 1 1/3, 3 H, 2 ER
• Betancourt: 1 IP, Win
• Street: 1 IP, H, Save