Series Preview: Houston Astros at Colorado Rockies, June 17-18, 2015

Series Preview: Houston Astros vs. Colorado Rockies, June 17-18, 2015

The Astros took the first two games this week against the Rockies on the backs of strong pitching and the home run ball. Houston outscored Colorado 14-to-8 in the short two-game series. Now with both teams heading to Colorado, Houston hopes to sweep the season series.

Pitching

Game 1 - LHP Brett Oberholtzer (1-1, 2.25 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) vs. RHP Kyle Kendrick (2-8, 5.87 ERA, 1.41 WHIP)
Game 2 - RHP Collin McHugh (6-3, 5.08 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) vs. RHP David Hale (2-1, 4.56 ERA, 1.09 WHIP)

Brett Oberholtzer coming off a dazzling performance against the Mariners, holding the M's scoreless through eight innings. Oberholtzer hadn't been able to stay on the mound for the first two months of the season with a blister issue. Now with three straight starts under his belt, he appears to be on track for the season.

This will be Oberholtzer's first start a Colorado, always an interesting proposition for visiting team.

The Rockies Opening Day starter Kyle Kendrick takes the ball for Colorado this evening. He's struggled this season with a 8.36 ERA in April and 4.68 ERA in May. But he has been on track in his last two starts -- allowing just four runs over his last 13 2/3 innings.

The Houston born pitcher, Kendrick is 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA in seven career appearances against the Astros. He is 1-4 with a 5.93 ERA in 12 appearances at Coors Field.

Former Rockies pitcher, Collin McHugh has struggled to say the least in his last few starts. He has a 8.44 ERA in three starts in June. In his most recent start, he gave up eight runs over three innings of work against Seattle on June 13. Are we looking at the real Collin McHugh or can he find his 2014 form again.

McHugh is 0-2 with a 7.80 ERA in three career starts at Coors Field.

David Hale has given up six home runs over his last 19 innings. Not a good mix when facing the team that leads the league in home runs and you pitch in the launching pad that is Coors field.

Hitting

Luis Valbuena came alive on Tuesday, hitting two home runs and driving four. Jose Altuve returned to the line, going 1-for-4 with a run, a walk, and an RBI. He was still running gingerly after being on the shelf with a hamstring injury. George Springer is 4-for-9 with four runs scored and two RBIs in the first two game against the Rockies.

Looking at the Rockies who have succeed the most at home, Corey Dickerson is batting .389 with 3 home runs in 12 games at Coors Field. Brandon Barnes, Wilin Rosario, and D.J. LeMahieu are all batting over .300 this season in Colorado.

Prediction

The Astros offense found it's groove against the Rockies, the trend continues in Colorado -- Astros sweep the season series with Rockies.