Game Preview: Game 146 vs. Colorado Rockies

With just 17 games left in the regular season, and last night's loss, there is no time to get into a losing streak now. Today, Casey Kelly will try to keep the Rockies at bay and honor the day's celebrant, Jerry Coleman, with the win that our Padres couldn't get him last night for his birthday.

Kelly is looking to bounce back from some recent struggles. After pitching six scoreless innings for the win in his first major league start on August 27th, he had back-to-back rough outings. In his most recent start, he gave up six runs on eight hits and exited after just 2 1/3 innings, recording his first major league loss. Prior to that, in a game against the Rockies, he gave up seven runs (five earned) on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings for a no-decision. Today in his fourth start he will try to channel the kid who impressed everyone, even despite the high expectations of him, in his major league debut.

The Rockies will give the ball to their own rookie, Drew Pomeranz. He will make his 19th major league start today, but is seeking just his second win. He is 1-8 in his first 18 starts, his sole win occuring on July 6th when he shut-out and one-hit the Nationals for 6 1/3 innings. That was one of only three starts where he has made it to the 6th inning. It hasn't been for a lack of effort, however, but rather a lack of efficiency in getting outs before reaching his 75-pitch limit.

Pomeranz has already faced San Diego three times this season, once in Colorado and twice in San Diego. He is 0-3 with a 7.50 ERA in those three starts, surrendering a combined 11 runs (10 earned) on 16 hits in 12 total innings of work. His most recent outing against us was a career-worst 7-run 3-inning appearance on July 20th at Petco Park. His other start here wasn't great either. He gave up three runs, but only lasted three innings on the mound.

Cameron Maybin will try to keep up his recent success, especially against Rockies pitching. He's hit 10-for-17 in his last four games versus Colorado. Overall, he is hitting .474 with four RBI in his last five games, including a home run, three doubles, and a run for a cycle a few nights ago. He and the rest of the lineup will try to bounce back from last night when Yonder Alonso's grand slam provided the only Padres runs, which weren't enough to overcome the Rockies' offensive outburst.

Last night the Rockies' lineup took advantage of what has become somewhat rare these days: a poor pitching performance from a Padres pitcher. Hopefully Kelly will have better luck today and our boys can get right back in the win column.