Washington @ Colorado preview
Coors Field
Last Meeting ( Aug 7, 2011 ) Washington 3, Colorado 2
The National League East-leading Washington Nationals continue their 10-game road trip Monday against the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a four-game series. Washington fell to 1-2 on its trek Sunday with a 2-1 loss to Baltimore. The Nationals, who also dropped the opener of the three-game set by a 2-1 margin, scored a total of five runs in the series.
Colorado returns home following a 3-6 road trip that concluded with a 4-2 loss at Texas on Sunday. The setback ended a horrid season of interleague play for the Rockies, who won just two of their 15 games against American League teams. While its road trip was less than successful, Colorado didn't fare any better prior to the trek, losing six in a row at home.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), Root Sports (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (9-1, 2.46 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Jeff Francis (0-1, 8.56 ERA)
Strasburg has won six consecutive starts, including a triumph over Tampa Bay on Wednesday in which he allowed two runs and five hits over seven innings. The 23-year-old has yielded two earned runs or fewer five times during his streak and 11 times in 14 outings this season. Strasburg, who will be facing Colorado for the first time in his career, is 5-0 with a 2.30 ERA in seven road starts this year.
Francis is seeking his first victory in his second stint with the Rockies. The veteran went 55-51 over six seasons with Colorado before posting a 6-16 record with Kansas City last year. After beginning his second tour of duty with the club with a pair of rough outings, Francis tossed five strong innings at Philadelphia on Thursday, allowing one run and six hits with three strikeouts. The 31-year-old is 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA in five career starts against Washington.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Washington 3B Ryan Zimmerman went 2-for-4 on Sunday thanks in part to a cortisone shot he received prior to the game to help his sore shoulder. It was his first multi-hit performance since June 8.
2. The Rockies have not had a starting pitcher record a win in their last 17 games.
3. Nationals RHP Drew Storen, who underwent elbow surgery in April, is hoping to make his season debut next weekend against Atlanta.