Rockies look to keep bats alive in series vs. Red Sox
The Colorado Rockies are gearing up to face the Boston Red Sox in a three-game series at Coors Field, bringing back memories of their memorable 2007 season. The Rockies, who had an impressive run to the World Series that year, aim to reignite their offense and continue their recent strong performance.
A Historical Rivalry Rekindled
The matchup between the Rockies and the Red Sox stirs nostalgia among Colorado fans, harking back to the Rockies’ 2007 World Series run. That season, the Rockies won 21 of their final 22 games to capture the National League pennant, only to be swept by the Red Sox in the World Series.
Series Opener Details
The series opener will feature Rockies’ left-hander Austin Gomber against Red Sox right-hander Tanner Houck. Gomber, with a 2-6 record and a 4.61 ERA, aims to improve his performance against a potent Red Sox lineup. Houck, boasting an 8-6 record and a 2.54 ERA, looks to continue his solid season.
Rockies’ Recent Performance
The Rockies are coming off a series win against the San Francisco Giants, although they missed a chance to sweep with a narrow 3-2 loss on Sunday. Colorado’s bats have heated up in July, with the team homering in nine consecutive games.
Gomber’s Challenge
Gomber has only faced the Red Sox once, in a game on June 14, 2023, where he allowed three runs on six hits over six innings and took the loss. He will need to find a way to hold down Boston’s lineup to give the Rockies a chance at victory.
Offensive Surge in July
Despite a middling 8-9 record in July, the Rockies’ offense has shown signs of life, particularly in the power department. Manager Bud Black noted the improvement, highlighting the importance of home runs in their home park.
Strikeouts a Concern
One area of concern for the Rockies is their high strikeout rate. They lead the National League with 960 strikeouts this season, including 15 in their last game against the Giants.
Red Sox’s Recent Struggles
The Red Sox enter the series after being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite a strong performance leading into the All-Star break. They showed resilience in their most recent game, rallying late but ultimately falling short.
Trevor Story’s Absence
Monday’s game was supposed to mark the return of Trevor Story to Denver, but he remains sidelined with a shoulder injury. Story, who hit 158 homers over six seasons with the Rockies, aims for a possible return in 2024.
Houck’s Strong Season
Tanner Houck has been a bright spot for the Red Sox, making his 20th start of the season with his team going 13-6 in his outings. He is coming off a stellar performance against Oakland, where he pitched six shutout innings.
Conclusion
The Rockies will look to keep their bats alive and continue their recent strong performance as they face the Red Sox in this nostalgic series. With the excitement of rekindling past memories and the challenge of overcoming a formidable opponent, this series promises to be an engaging spectacle for baseball fans.
Take your MLB handicapping to the next level with our expert MLB handicappers