Colorado @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 23, 2011 ) Colorado 3, Arizona 12

THE STORY: Arizona sends a relief pitcher to the mound against Colorado’s ace in the rubber game of a three-game series at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks will use Micah Owings, who hasn’t started since May, against Colorado’s Ubaldo Jimenez, who has won three straight games. The first two games of the series have been lopsided, with each team winning once. Arizona matched a season-best by scoring 13 runs on Saturday night and now leads the season series 7-4.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT, FSAZ

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Ubaldo Jimenez (6-8, 4.00 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Micah Owings (3-0, 2.76 ERA)

Jimenez has won five of his last six decisions as rumors swirl about a possible trade out of Colorado. Jimenez has returned to form over his last 10 starts, where he's allowed more than three runs on only one occasion. He's 3-1 with a 2.77 ERA in four July starts, with 30 strikeouts and six walks in 26 innings. Jimenez is 3-3 with a 3.02 ERA in 15 career starts against the Diamondbacks. He received a no-decision against Arizona on Opening Day.

Owings was moved into the rotation to replace Barry Enright, who was shipped back to Triple-A Reno after being pelted for six runs in three innings against the Brewers. Owings made two starts in May, but hasn’t pitched longer than 2 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. He pitched two scoreless innings in his last stint on July 19. Owings is 3-0 with a 1.02 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies and beat Colorado on May 26, allowing one run in five innings.

ABOUT THE ROCKIES (48-53): Troy Tulowitzki and Todd Helton continue to be the primary offensive contributors. Tulowitzki is 15-for-43 over the last 10 games with six multi-hit games and Helton is 9-for-27 since the All-Star break. Dexter Fowler is under pressure to perform in the absence of Carlos Gonzalez and has gone 9-for-19 over the last four games while hitting leadoff. After being benched for three games, 3B Ty Wigginton is 2-for-7 with a double and two RBI. Reliever Eric Stults has allowed a run in his last five appearances, a stretch that’s seen him allow eight runs, 11 hits and four home runs in 9 2/3 innings.

ABOUT THE DIAMONDBACKS (54-47): Justin Upton has turned things around over the last five games. During that time he’s 10-for-19 with two doubles and two home runs, including a grand slam. That’s coming after an 0-for-19 streak. Upton leads the majors in home run distance, averaging 414.2 feet per clout. Miguel Montero drove in a season-high five runs on Saturday and is 6-for-11 over the last three games. Willie Bloomquist has hit safely in 12 of the last 13 games and is 6-for-17 in the last four games.

FINAL PITCH: Arizona special assistant to the president and CEO Roland Hemond will be in Cooperstown on Sunday to accept the Buck O’Neill Lifetime Achievement Award. Hemond is a three-time MLB Executive of the Year who has more than 60 years of experience in professional baseball.