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Chicago Cubs (13-9) at Colorado Rockies (12-10), 9:05 p.m.
Match-Up |
Line-Up
Probable Starting Pitchers: Chicago - Mark Prior (3-1, 1.50)
Colorado - Nelson Cruz (3-0, 2.91)
(Sports Network) - The NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs will try to snap their
two-game losing streak this evening, when they head west to take on the
Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Chicago lost the last two of its three-game set against San Diego, including a
2-1 defeat on Thursday. The Cubs still own a 2 1/2-game lead over Houston and
Pittsburgh in the Central.
Matt Clement (2-2) had won his last two decisions but gave up two runs and six
hits over seven innings of work for the loss. Relievers Juan Cruz and Mark
Guthrie combined for two innings of one-hit relief.
Tom Goodwin went 2-for-4 with a run scored and Eric Karros had a pair of hits
in the loss. The Cubs managed a total of seven hits in the losing effort and
have scored just one run in their last two games.
The Cubs will hand the ball to young stud Mark Prior this evening. The 22-
year-old righthander has won three of his first four decisions, including a
victory over Pittsburgh last Saturday. The 22-year-old gave up just six hits
and one run in the complete game victory, while fanning six and walking two.
Prior has been excellent against Colorado in his short career, going 2-0 with
a 1.20 ERA. The USC product has surrendered only 10 hits and two earned runs
over 15 innings of action versus the Rockies.
Colorado will reply with unbeaten Nelson Cruz on the hill. Cruz didn't record
a decision in his last start, after giving up six hits and three runs over
five innings against San Diego. The 30-year-old righty has allowed just 17
hits and seven runs over 21 2/3 innings of work this season. A win tonight
would tie his career-high of winning four straight decisions.
Cruz has posted an 0-1 mark with a 4.82 ERA in his career versus the Cubs. The
twirler has been tagged for 19 hits and 10 earned runs over 18 2/3 innings of
action against Chicago.
Colorado has won in each of Cruz's four starts this season.
The Rockies are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Philadelphia
Phillies. On Thursday, Colorado dropped a 9-1 decision. Jay Payton hit a home
run for the Rockies, who had entered the series with a three-game win streak.
It was the lowest amount of runs that Colorado has scored this season.
Todd Helton is three hits shy of becoming the fourth player in team history to
reach 1,000.
Aaron Cook (1-2) suffered the defeat after getting tagged for six runs in only
four innings. Cook, who tossed his first career complete game in his last
start, also allowed six hits and two walks.
Chicago won four of six meetings between these clubs last season, including
two of three at Coors Field. The Cubs are 7-5 against the Rockies over the
past two seasons.
Colorado has been tough to beat at home this year, as it has tallied an 8-1
mark at Coors Field. Meanwhile, the Cubs are 5-4 on the road this season.
powered by The Sports Network
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