Colorado @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 7, 2012 ) Colorado 3, LA Dodgers 1

The new-look Los Angeles Dodgers were expected to manhandle the Colorado Rockies' major league-worst pitching staff and record a few critical wins in the close National League West race. Instead, the Rockies have silenced the opposition and secured their first series victory at Dodger Stadium since September 2010. Los Angeles, which has scored just one run in the first two games of the series, stands 1 1/2 games behind San Francisco. It’s been a season to forget for the Rockies, but they’ve found a potential regular for next season in Josh Rutledge. The rookie infielder had a career-high four hits on Tuesday, including three doubles.

Los Angeles added Shane Victorino and Hanley Ramirez to its batting order before the trade deadline, but the Dodgers are still struggling to score. Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp have a combined total of four extra-base hits since July 29, and the Dodgers went 16 straight scoreless innings before Mark Ellis drove in a run in the eighth inning on Tuesday. Los Angeles will likely give more playing time to Jerry Sands in the outfield and first base, but it’s still unclear if he can duplicate his minor league numbers in the majors. Infielder Adam Kennedy (groin) will return Friday, but he’s not expected to get many starts over the next two months.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), PRIME (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Jeff Francis (3-4, 6.02 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Chad Billingsley (8-6, 2.95)

After giving up six runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Giants last Saturday, Francis has failed to make it to the fifth inning in each of his last two starts. Francis has only walked 10 batters in 12 starts this season, but opposing batters have hit .304 against him. He’s 5-4 with a 3.33 ERA in 16 career starts against the Dodgers.

Billingsley has been red-hot since the All-Star break, going 3-0 with a 0.89 ERA in three starts. He’s 3-7 with a 5.27 ERA in 16 career games (14 starts) against the Rockies. Carlos Gonzalez is 10-for-18 (.556) with a home run against Billingsley, who gave up one run over seven innings against the Cubs last Friday.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki (groin) took 70 grounders Tuesday and remains hopeful that he’ll return before the end of the season.

2. The Dodgers are 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position in the last two games.

3. With his next win, Francis will move into sole possession of second place on the Rockies’ all-time franchise wins list, passing Jason Jennings at 58 victories.