The Colorado Rockies are set to host the St. Louis Cardinals in a critical three-game series, beginning tonight at Coors Field. This matchup is particularly significant for the Cardinals, who are currently four games behind the final National League Wild Card spot. The Rockies, on the other hand, are looking to build momentum after a recent series against the Baltimore Orioles.
In their last outing, the Rockies managed to snap a franchise-record ten-game home losing streak with a 4-2 victory over the Orioles. They followed that up with a thrilling 6-5 win in 11 innings, where they rallied from a late deficit thanks to a game-tying double from Zac Veen and a walk-off single by Brett Sullivan. This recent success could provide the Rockies with a much-needed boost as they face a Cardinals team that has struggled recently, going just 4-6 in their last ten games.
Taking the mound for Colorado will be Ryan Feltner, who is making his 21st start of the season. Feltner has had a challenging year, entering the game with a 5-9 record and a 5.84 ERA over 101.2 innings. His recent form has been particularly concerning, as he has posted a 6.50 ERA and a 1.81 WHIP in his last seven appearances. However, Feltner showed signs of improvement in his last outing against the Atlanta Braves, where he allowed just one unearned run over four innings while striking out six batters.
Feltner's pitching style features a diverse arsenal, including a four-seam fastball and a slider as his primary pitches. In his recent performance, he effectively utilized his changeup, generating eight swings and misses, which could be key in tonight's game against the Cardinals.
Opposing him will be St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andre Pallante, who is making his 25th start of the season. Pallante has been a reliable presence for the Cardinals, boasting a 12-6 record with a 3.57 ERA across 136 innings. He has maintained solid performance metrics, with a 3.51 ERA in his last seven starts. Pallante's pitching strategy varies based on the handedness of the batter; he tends to rely on his slider and sinker against right-handed hitters while favoring his four-seam fastball against lefties.
The Cardinals are in a precarious position in the playoff race, and a poor performance in this series could significantly hinder their chances. With their current standing at 70-71, every game is crucial as they strive to reclaim a Wild Card spot. The Rockies, while out of playoff contention, will be looking to finish the season strong and build for next year.
As the Rockies take the field tonight, they will aim to improve their record of 10-12 in Friday games this season. With four Friday games remaining, including tonight's matchup, they have an opportunity to finish the week on a positive note.
The details…
First Pitch: 6:40 p.m. MDT
TV: Rockies.TV
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM
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