The San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies will go at it this weekend at Coors Field in a key three-game series for both franchises.
It might be hard to classify a three-game series between the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies as crucial since both teams occupy the fourth and fifth spots, respectively, in the National League West Division.
But, for both franchises, the rubber meets the road at Coors Field over the weekend. The Giants don't want to slip behind the Rockies and into last place, while Colorado has its sights set on leaving the bottom rung of the division.
These teams are going to get busy on Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon in a battle for fourth place.
In recent weeks, the Rockies have been playing better baseball despite their overall 35-53 record at this time. As for San Francisco, who is 36-50 entering the weekend series, it has been dealing with internal and external strife while trying to win ballgames.
There's no way that the Giants want to leave the Mile High City in last place. As for Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer, he's going to make sure his players are dialed into the situation fully.
With that said, here are the probable starting pitchers and start times for the Giants-Rockies series at Coors Field.
Rockies-Giants Probable Starters
Ryan Feltner vs. Logan Webb, Friday, July 3
Talk about getting thrown into the fire for the Rockies against arguably the best pitcher on Giants manager Tony Vitello's pitching staff. Right-handed Giants starter Logan Webb currently is 5-5 with a 3.09 ERA.
Schaeffer will counter with right-hander Ryan Feltner, who's currently 2-2 with a 4.42 ERA.
The Rockies' bats will need to be busy early and often against Webb. potentially getting him out of the game and into the Giants' bullpen.
Tomoyuki Sugano vs. Robbie Ray, Saturday, July 4
While fans have Fourth of July fireworks to come see on Saturday night at Coors Field, don't sleep on this stellar pitching matchup. Right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano is 8-4 overall with a 4.80 ERA. He'll go up against left-handed starter Robbie Ray for the Giants. Ray is 5-5 with a 3.09 ERA.
It'll be a battle between two of their teams' top pitchers looking to keep the opposing teams' offenses on edge.
Tanner Gordon vs. Tyler Mahle, Sunday, July 5
This game just might end up being a bullpen game for the Rockies and Giants. Right-hander Tanner Gordon is 0-2 with a 6.69 ERA for Colorado, while San Francisco right-hander Tyler Mahle is a not-so-impressive 1-8 this season with a 5.67 ERA.
Colorado's Hunter Goodman or Mickey Moniak might be able to make consistent contact against Mahle, getting him in early trouble. If the Rockies can do it and potentially win the series' first two games, then a sweep just might be in the offing.
Start Times
Friday, July 3
First pitch: 6:10 p.m. MT.
TV: Rockies.TV/Ch. 20.
Radio: KOA Radio.
Saturday, July 4
First pitch: 6:10 p.m. MT.
TV: Rockies.TV.
Radio: KOA Radio.
Sunday, July 5
First pitch: 6:10 p.m. MT.
TV: Peacock.
Radio: KOA Radio.
Heads-Up, Rockies Fans
Just a quick heads-up for Rockies fans that Sunday's game between the Giants and Rockies will be shown on Peacock. It will not be available on Rockies.TV.
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