Chicago @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 26, 2012 ) Colorado 0, Chi. Cubs 5

After snapping their nine-game losing streak on Monday, the Colorado Rockies continue their seven-game homestand with a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs, who have lost seven of their last nine contests. The Cubs are on pace to lose 100 games for the first time since 1966, and they need to go 4-5 over their final nine games to avoid reaching that mark. The Rockies, who are looking to avoid their first 100-loss season in franchise history, stand at 59-94 with nine games remaining. With both teams’ playoff hopes long forgotten, the focus has turned to individual accomplishments. Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano hit his 31st homer on Sunday, giving him a career-high 105 RBIs.

Colorado catcher Wilin Rosario bolstered his case for the NL Rookie of the Year award by hitting his 26th home run on Saturday to pass Todd Helton for most home runs in a season by a rookie. Helton hit 25 in 1998. While Rosario looks to finish the season on a high note, several of his teammates’ seasons may have already ended. Carlos Gonzalez (hamstring) is unlikely to return this season and Dexter Fowler (sore left wrist) will likely miss the Chicago series. Troy Tulowitzki (left groin) is hoping to return next week for the final three games, while Jason Giambi (viral illness) and Michael Cuddyer (oblique) are listed as day-to-day.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Chris Rusin (1-2, 6.00 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa (0-1, 12.27)

Rusin is set to make his sixth major-league start after allowing five runs on a career-high 10 hits over five innings last Wednesday against Cincinnati. The 25-year-old Rusin, who made his major-league debut on Aug. 21, went 8-9 with a 4.55 ERA in 25 starts with Triple-A Iowa this season.

De La Rosa struggled in his season debut last Thursday against San Francisco, giving up six runs over 3 2/3 frames. De La Rosa, who had Tommy John surgery last November, is 3-0 with a 2.11 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago’s bullpen has a 2.98 ERA (21 earned runs in 63 1/3 innings) over the last 16 games.

2. Colorado OF Eric Young, out since Aug. 20 with an oblique injury, will not return this season. Young batted .316 with 14 steals in 174 at-bats.

3. Cubs closer Carlos Marmol is one appearance away from reaching 450 games pitched with the Cubs, which would surpass Don Elston for third-most in franchise history.