Chicago @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 25, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 5, Colorado 10

Wilin Rosario resumes his late-season push for the National League Rookie of the Year award when the Colorado Rockies continue their three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. Tuesday’s series opener was delayed in the middle of the seventh by rain and called 48 minutes later, with the Rockies winning 10-5. Rosario hit his 27th home run early in the game, and he leads all NL rookies in homers and RBIs (70). Rosario appears to have ended the Rockies’ lengthy search for an everyday catcher, although his defense has been an ongoing issue this season. Rosario, who recorded his fifth consecutive multi-hit game on Tuesday, figures to be in the mix for NL Rookie of the Year honors with Washington’s Bryce Harper, Cincinnati’s Todd Frazier and Arizona’s Wade Miley.

The Cubs have dropped seven of their last eight games and need to win four of their final eight contests to avoid 100 losses. Chicago doesn’t have any Rookie of the Year candidates since first baseman Anthony Rizzo doesn't qualify, but the team is hoping young players such as third baseman Josh Vitters and outfielder Tony Campana play winter ball to continue their development. After a strong minor league season, Vitters is hitting just .111 in 90 at-bats with the Cubs.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jason Berken (0-1, 3.27 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Drew Pomeranz (1-9, 5.30)

Berken is set to make his third start for the Cubs since being claimed off waivers from Baltimore on Sept. 7. He spent most of this season with Triple-A Norfolk, going 5-6 record with a 3.50 ERA in 26 starts. The 28-year-old Berken turned in an impressive outing last Thursday against Cincinnati, giving up two hits over six shutout innings.

Pomeranz hasn't pitched past the fourth inning in six of his last seven starts, including last Friday when he allowed four runs over three innings against Arizona. In his only career start against the Cubs on Aug. 24, he settled for a no-decision after taking a no-hitter into the fifth inning. Pomeranz has made 10 starts at Coors Field this season, going 0-5 with a 5.44 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs are 0-14 against NL West teams on the road this season.

2. Pomeranz is seeking his first career win at Coors Field in his 11th home start.

3. Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez (left hamstring) has missed the past eight games and may not return this season.