Dodgers Vs. Rockies Preview: Greinke Looks To Keep Rockies Bats Cool

The Los Angeles Dodgers took the first game of a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies last night with a 6-1 victory.

The Dodgers banged out six runs and 15 hits, with 10 being off rookie southpaw Tyler Matzek. The charge was led by Dodgers second baseman Dee Gordon who went 4-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored.

The Dodgers now turn to their reliable right-hander Zack Greinke. He faced the Rockies earlier this season, tossing seven innings and giving up three earned runs off 11 hits. The outing did not result in a loss and his record currently sits at 8-3 with a 2.65 ERA. Despite his hot start, Greinke has simmered down of recent boasting a 0-3 record in June.

The Rockies hand the ball over to veteran ace Jhouyls Chacin. He has yet to put up ace-like numbers for his squad, as he owns a 1-4 record with a 4.53 ERA. The right-handed hurler started the season on the 15 day disabled list with a shoulder strain which may attest to his slow start. Chacin was shut down late last season with shoulder inflammation.

The Dodgers have hit Chacin well in the past. During the 2013 season, the Boys in Blue posted a .375 average against the right-hander while scoring 14 runs. Dodgers’ outfielder Andre Ethier has put up impressive numbers against Chacin, owning a .414 average with 12 hits in 29 at-bats. Fellow outfielder Matt Kemp looks to remain a threat in the series as he went 2-for-5 with two RBIs in last night’s contest.

The Rockies bats have been hot of late. Before losing to the Dodgers last night, the Rockies were riding a five-game winning streak, scoring five or more runs in each contest.

Rockies catcher Wilin Rosario had the sole RBI last night while going 2-for-3 with a double. The Rockies are led by shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. He paces the offesnse, hitting .368 in his last seven games.

The Dodgers are chipping away at the NL West Division leading San Francisco Giants as they sit six games back from the lead.

Dodgers Lineup:

2B: Gordon
SS: Ramirez
RF: Puig
1B: Gonzalez
LF: Kemp
CF: Ethier
C: Ellis
3B: Rojas
P: Greinke

Rockies Lineup:

RF: Blackmon
LF: Dickerson
SS: Tulowitzki
1B: Morneau
CF: Stubbs
C: Rosario
3B: Wheeler
2B: LaMahieu
P: Chacin

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