With 81 games now in the rear view, the second half of the MLB season begins. The first half was, uh, rough on the Rockies. Will the next 81 bring with them more positive showings?
We’ll find out first in Milwaukee, where the first of a three-game set will be played on Friday night. Jose Quintana (5-2, 2.98 ERA) will toe the rubber for the Brewers. Quintana, who has been very effective for the Brew Crew this season, is fresh off a six-inning shutout performance against the Minnesota Twins.
The good news? Quintana has struggled against the Rockies in his career, as his 5.40 ERA against Colorado is the second-highest amongst teams that he’s started against at least ten times.
Opposing Quintana will be the returning Kyle Freeland (1-8, 5.13 ERA), activated today from the IL after some lower back stiffness. Prior to that stint, he seemed to be returning to form as he’d been pitching far more effectively, compared to a rough start to the season.
Freeland’s last outing saw him record a quality start in an eventual loss to the San Francisco Giants, his third in a row. Hopefully he’ll be able to pick up where he left off when he does battle with the Brewers Friday evening.
Brenton Doyle would like to pick up where he left off, as well. He’s had a tough season thus far but came to life when he homered in the first inning of Thursday’s loss. Maybe that will carry over in the series opener tonight.
Keep an eye on Michael Toglia too, as he’s 2-for-3 with two home runs in 3 at-bats against Quintana.
First Pitch: 6:10 pm MDT
TV: Rockies TV
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)
Lineups:
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