Washington @ Colorado preview
Coors Field
Last Meeting ( Jun 25, 2012 ) Washington 2, Colorado 4
After ending Stephen Strasburg's nine-game winning streak in the opener, the Colorado Rockies will try to solve Gio Gonzalez when they continue their four-game series against the National League East-leading Washington Nationals on Tuesday. Colorado posted a 4-2 victory on Monday against Strasburg, who was looking to become the first pitcher to win seven straight starts for the franchise since Pedro Martinez did so in 1997 when the organization was based in Montreal.
The loss, its seventh in 10 games overall, dropped Washington to 1-3 on its 10-game road trip. Conversely, Colorado halted a six-game losing streak at home with just its fourth victory in 18 overall contests. The Nationals' struggles can be attributed to their offense, which has produced three runs or less eight times in the last 10 games.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Washington), Root Sports (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (9-3, 2.55 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Christian Friedrich (4-4, 5.65 ERA)
Gonzalez goes for his 14th consecutive start in which he has allowed three runs or less after yielding four in 3 2/3 innings at Chicago in his season debut on April 7. The 26-year-old limited Tampa Bay to two runs over six frames in a victory on Thursday. Gonzalez, who will be facing Colorado for the first time in his career, is 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA in seven road starts this season.
Friedrich is hoping to halt a personal three-game losing streak. The 24-year-old rookie, who will be making his 10th career start, gave up four runs and seven hits over six innings in a loss at Texas on Friday. Friedrich has been hit hard in three home outings, surrendering 21 earned runs and 30 hits over 15 frames while posting a 1-2 record.
WALK-OFFS
1. Gonzalez looks to become just the second left-hander in Nationals history to reach double digits in victories. John Lannan accomplished the feat last season, winning 10 of his 33 starts.
2. Rockies 2B Marco Scutaro left Monday's victory in the sixth inning after being hit in the head by a fastball from Strasburg.
3. Washington is 16-34 all-time against Colorado. It's the Nationals' worst record against any NL club.