Casey Coleman will take the mound today for his second start of the season, looking to improve on his first turn in the rotation. In his first start, against Milwaukee, the rookie gave up four runs on nine hits in 5.0 innings pitched. He struck out two, but also walked one.
Coleman will have a tough time against a red-hot Colorado offense that has scored at least five runs in all of their last seven games and who currently lead the National League in home runs. Part of this is due to the phenomenal start to the season of shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Tulowitzki is currently hitting .354 on the season with seven home runs and a 1.330 OPS.
The Rockies will send Jason Hammel to the mound to try to go for two in a row against the Cubs. Hammel is currently 1-0 with a 4.91 ERA and 1.51 WHIP after two starts. In his most recent start, against the Mets, he gave up four runs (two earned) on six hits over six innings, walking one and striking out three. Hammel has started two games against Chicago in his career. He is 1-0 with a 5.11 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. Jeff Baker and Marlon Byrd both hit Hammel well. Baker is 2-for-3 with a double and a triple. Byrd is 4-for-7 with a double and three RBI.
The weather in Denver is forecast to be cloudy, with winds gusting from 13-17 MPH, and a low in the mid 40's. First pitch is at 7:10 P.M. CDT, and the game will be televised on WGN and ROOT Sports.