Cubs vs. Rockies: Hendricks vs. Hoffman (Game 59)
CHC (32-26): RHP Kyle Hendricks (5-4, 3.09 ERA)
COL (31-27): RHP Jeff Hoffman (1-1, 7.20 ERA)
First pitch 7:05pmCDT
Hendricks held off the Astros for eight innings last time out, allowing only one run and earning the lone Cubs' win of the series. He won't have to face the injured Blackmon, who is 5-16 with 4 walks against him. Former Cub Daniel Murphy is 6-16 with two homeruns. Nolan Arenado is 6-22 with two homeruns. The Rockies are fifth in the majors in runs scored but have a team wRC+ of 89, good for 21st in the majors. Their offense has been lively lately. Since May 1st, they've posted an .883 OPS and 114 wRC+. That's on the back of a .359 BABIP. Their team OPS on the road is only .679.26-year-old Jeff Hoffman has spent parts of the least three seasons in Denver and is making his fourth MLB start of 2019. Starting for the Rockies is a tough gig. He's kept the walks down, something he struggled with in the minors at times, but he's been knocked around for a .378 BABIP. Last time out he allowed three earned runs in five innings against the Diamondbacks. He's a hard thrower with a four-pitch mix. Whoever tracks pitch types seems to think his slider has not appeared in 2019 and that his curveball usage has bumped by the amount he used his slider in the past--so, I'm guessing both pitches are still their, but maybe the slider has more shape and/or less velocity this season. Kris Bryant is 3-4 with two homeruns off of him. The Rockies' relief corps has preferred its time on the road, posting a 3.94 ERA--5th best in the majors vs. second worst when at home, 5.90.
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