Erica: Three straight losses to the Dodgers, a home losing streak that just won't quit, and now Cleveland comes to town. Is this the series the Rockies finally turn it around, or are we watching another slide?
Brett: That's the big question, Erica. And we've got the pitching matchups, the injury report, and a bold prediction you're not gonna want to miss.
Erica: You're locked in with the Beatline Podcast Network, and this is your Colorado Rockies preview for Friday, August 21st. I'm Erica, joined as always by Brett.
Brett: Let's get into it. We've got a lot to cover.
Erica: Here's what's on tap today: first, breaking down the series with Cleveland and the pitching probables. Then we'll dig into the hitters who need to step up and the bullpen questions. And we'll wrap with keys to the series and a bold prediction.
Brett: Let's start with that Dodgers sweep, because it sets the stage for everything.
Erica: So the Dodgers come in and take all three, capped by that 6-4 extra-inning loss Wednesday. Mookie Betts homered and had the go-ahead RBI single in the tenth.
Brett: That's a tough one. The Rockies had chances, but the bullpen couldn't hold it together. Now they're 50-77, fifth in the NL West, and they've got a home losing streak that's stretching.
Erica: And now the Guardians come in. Cleveland's 62-66, third in the AL Central. They're not world-beaters, but they're a solid club. What do you make of this matchup?
Brett: I like it for the Rockies, honestly. Cleveland's offense is middle of the pack, and their pitching is okay, but they don't have the star power of the Dodgers. This is a winnable series.
Erica: Let's talk pitching. Who do we expect to see on the mound for the Rockies?
Brett: We don't have official probables yet, but looking at the rotation, Ryan Feltner and Kyle Freeland are the veterans. Freeland's been day-to-day, so that's a question mark. Tomoyuki Sugano and Gabriel Hughes are the other starters.
Erica: Freeland day-to-day is a concern. If he can't go, who steps in?
Brett: They've got Tanner Gordon and Jaden Hill in the bullpen who can spot start, but it's not ideal. You want your veteran lefty in a series like this.
Erica: And Cleveland's pitching? They've got some arms.
Brett: They do. But their rotation's not overpowering. The key is to get to their bullpen early. If the Rockies can work counts and get their pitch counts up, they can get into that middle relief and do some damage.
Erica: Alright, so the pitching matchup is one thing, but the bats have to show up. Let's talk hitters.
Brett: The offense has been inconsistent all year. Ezequiel Tovar is the shortstop and he's been the most consistent guy. He's got pop and he plays great defense.
Erica: Tovar's a bright spot. But who else needs to step up?
Brett: Jordan Beck in left field, Zac Veen, Mickey Moniak — these guys have to produce. They're young, they're talented, but they need to show more plate discipline. They're swinging at too many pitches out of the zone.
Erica: And what about the infield? Adael Amador and Connor Norby at second?
Brett: Amador's got a high ceiling. He's a 2B who can hit for average and steal bases. Norby's more of a power guy. They complement each other well. The key is getting on base in front of Tovar.
Erica: Now, the bullpen. That's been a sore spot.
Brett: It has. They blew a lead against the Dodgers, and that's been a theme. Jordan Romano's the closer, but he's been shaky. Brennan Bernardino and Jimmy Herget are in the setup mix.
Erica: The injuries don't help. Kyle Karros is on the 7-day IL, Hunter Goodman and Tyler Freeman on the 10-day. Hunter Feduccia is day-to-day. That's a lot of guys out.
Brett: And don't forget Gavin Stone, Ben Casparius, Bobby Miller, Tyler Glasnow — those are Dodgers injuries, but it just shows the whole league is dealing with this. The Rockies need to weather the storm.
Erica: So with all these injuries, who's stepping up? Brett Sullivan behind the plate?
Brett: Sullivan's a veteran catcher, he's solid defensively. Braxton Fulford can DH. But they need more from the bench guys. Troy Johnston in right field, Cole Carrigg in center — they've got to contribute.
Erica: Alright, let's move to the keys to the series. What does Colorado have to do to win this thing?
Brett: First key: get quality starts. If the starter can go six innings and give up three or fewer, that keeps the bullpen out of high-leverage spots until the late innings.
Erica: Second key?
Brett: Plate discipline. Cleveland's pitching staff isn't going to walk you. You have to earn your runs. The Rockies need to lay off the breaking balls in the dirt and force them to throw strikes.
Erica: And the third key?
Brett: Win the late innings. The Rockies have lost too many games in the seventh, eighth, and ninth. If they can get a lead to Romano with a clean inning, they'll win. But they have to give him that chance.
Erica: Alright, bold prediction time. What you got, Brett?
Brett: I'm going to say the Rockies take two of three from Cleveland. They're due for a bounce-back, and the Guardians are a beatable team. I think Tovar has a big series, maybe a homer and a couple of RBIs.
Erica: I like that. I'm going to say the bullpen records a save in at least one game. They've been the weak link, but I think they respond at home.
Brett: Let's see it. First pitch is Friday at 6:40 PM local time. You're at Coors Field, so the bats should be lively.
Erica: That's our show, folks. Quick recap: we broke down the Dodgers sweep, previewed the Guardians series, and gave you the keys to victory. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network, and share this episode with your fellow Rockies fans.
Brett: And as always, go Rockies!