The Pittsburgh Pirates will finish their early 10-game West Coast trip with a four-game slate against the Rockies in Denver. Here are the matchups to watch.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are entering the final series of their long 10 game road trip. So far, this trip has seen them lose two of three to the San Diego Padres and win two of three against the Arizona Diamondbacks, compiling a 3-3 record. The Pirates are entering a four game series against the Colorado Rockies with a 10-9 record and some quality matchups to look forward to in the next four games.
3.) Jeff Locke vs DJ LeMahieu
Tonights start for Jeff Locke is one to look forward to in more ways than one. Following last night’s 13 inning thriller against the Diamondbacks, it is crucial for Locke to pitch quality innings to avoid tiring out an already struggling and worn bullpen. Locke is also looking to rebound from a tough start in his last outing against the San Diego Padres as he only lasted three innings while giving up eight runs on 11 hits and walking four.
In his career, Locke is 0-1 with a 5.00 ERA in three career starts at Coors Field, which is known as one of the most hitter friendly ballparks in baseball. Locke, who has four total career starts against the Rockies, has plenty of experience facing various members of the Rockies roster.
For this matchup, there were a few that had to be considered, including an unfavorable one for Locke as he has struggled against Rockies Third Baseman Nolan Arenado throughout his career. However, a matchup that was in Locke’s favor seemed to be more intriguing. In his career against Rockies Second Baseman DJ LeMahieu, Locke has held him hitless in 10 career at-bats while compiling three strikeouts in the process.
Locke will likely find himself in other big matchups against some of the Rockies other big bats in their lineup. However, this particular matchup will be one to keep an eye on as Locke attempts to continue his dominance against LeMahieu and end his struggles in Colorado.
2.) Jordy Mercer vs Jorge De La Rosa
One of the most pleasant surprises of the early part of the season has been the offensive play of Pirates Shortstop Jordy Mercer. Known primarily for his defensive play, Mercer has shown off a stellar offensive game early on in the season, hitting at a .303/.377/.394 clip with one home run and 11 RBI.
Early on in the season, the Pirates have only faced three left handed starting pitchers, all coming in the last five games against both the Padres (Drew Pomeranz) and Diamondbacks (Patrick Corbin and Robbie Ray). To provide better matchups against these left handed starters, regular First Baseman John Jaso has been held out of the Pirates lineup while Jordy Mercer has taken over the lead off role in his absence. Mercer has shined in that role, hitting .533 with one home run, two RBI and three runs scored from the lead off position. Mercer primarily finds himself in this role due to his stellar career numbers against left handed pitching. The 29-year old is a career .330 hitter against left handers with eight home runs and 37 RBI.
When it comes to left hander Jorge De La Rosa, who is scheduled to pitch tomorrow night, he should expect to face Jordy Mercer out of that leadoff spot. Aside from Mercer’s success out of the first spot in the lineup and against left handed pitching, Mercer has also been successful throughout his career against De La Rosa. In his career against the veteran, Mercer is 6-for-9 with one RBI. He has yet to get an extra base hit against the Rockies left hander, but tomorrow night could be a time for some change. Expect Mercer to put up quality at-bats and for De La Rosa to look to try and end his struggles against the Pirates Shortstop.
1.) Gerrit Cole vs Trevor Story
Unlike Jeff Locke, Pirates ace Gerrit Cole doesn’t have much experience pitching against the Rockies, who currently sit in third place in the National League West Division. Cole hasn’t pitched against Colorado since August 2, 2013, when he went 5.1 innings while giving up three runs on three hits and striking out six in a 4-2 loss at PNC Park.
Despite his lack of starts against Colorado, I expect a lot of quality and exciting matchups as Cole looks to improve to 2-2 on the young season. The Rockies have an exciting offense lead by 2015 Silver Slugger Award Winner Nolan Arenado and 2014 All-Star Charlie Blackmon. However, this season, a new star has emerged as the biggest “story” in Colorado and in all of baseball.
This season, Rockies Third Baseman Trevor Story has taken the baseball world by storm, hitting .253 with eight home runs and 14 RBI in the first 18 games of his Major League career. Tuesday afternoon marks the first time Story steps into the batters box against Cole and it could honestly provide a battle between one of the best pitchers in baseball and one of the bright young stars in the game. Story is currently tied for second in the MLB with eight home runs this season, but he is also prone to striking out, leading the league in that category with 30 punch outs in 75 at-bats.
Based on Cole’s last start in which he went six shutout innings while giving up four hits and striking out seven, Cole goes into his start on Tuesday night with momentum, while Story is 5-for-27 with one home run and 10 strikeouts in his last seven games. This matchup will definitely be one to watch as Cole looks to help Story continue his recent struggles.
Both the Rockies and the Pirates are similar teams in many ways. Both teams sit amongst the top of the league when it comes to the offense, but sit amongst the worst teams in the league when it comes to pitching. With the two teams playing at Coors Field, a major hitters ballpark, expect a ton of runs to be scored by these two high scoring ball clubs. Also be sure to keep an eye on these three specific matchups within the next four games as both teams look to gain ground in their respective divisions.
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