MLB Preview: Robbie Ross vs. Juan Nicasio

May 1, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Juan Nicasio (12) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field.Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies (20-14) look to keep things rolling in the Mile High City Tuesday night as they currently sit two games back of the San Francisco Giants in the National League West standings. Juan Nicasio will take the hill and is coming off easily his best start of the 2014 season.

Nicasio, 27, was brilliant in his most recent start against the New York Mets. The righty would throw seven scoreless innings, giving up just three hits, one walk while striking out two. He would record 12 fly-ball outs opposed to 9 groundball outs. This time however, he will face a more talented lineup in the Texas Rangers which features players like Shin-Soo Choo, Adrian Beltre, Prince Fielder, and Alex Rios.

Robbie Ross on the other hand is coming off his worst start of the season at home against the Oakland Athletics. He would fail to get out of the third inning, giving up 11 hits, 10 runs, 6 earned, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts in just 3 1/3 of an inning. According to sources, if Ross continues to struggle the Rangers may explore other options until Derek Holland returns who is out with a knee injury.

Ross will try to cool down Rockies all-star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki who is absolutely taking the league by storm. In last night’s 8-2 Rockies win, Martin Perez witnessed first-hand just how good Tulo is who recently just won National League Player of the Month. Tulo would go 2-for-3 with two, two-run home runs including four RBI’s. In the last seven days, Tulo is 12-for-21 (.571), with one double, three home runs, and nine RBI’s; including four walks (two last night). Troy is currently batting .408 on the season with 9 home runs and 29 RBI’s. What’s more ridiculous is that his on-base plus slugging percentage is 1.298.

Game Notes:

• Nolan Arenado enters Tuesday nights game riding a MLB best 25-game hitting streak; two shy of Michael Cuddyer’s team record of 27.
• Carlos Gonzalez enters the game with a 7-game hitting streak.
• Troy Tulowitzki enters the game with the best average in baseball (.408) which is 48 points higher Shin-Soo Choo’s average; 2nd in the MLB.
• Rockies’ as a team enter the game with a .344 average at home with 31 home runs.

First-pitch between the Texas Rangers and Colorado Rockies is scheduled for 8:40 PM ET, 6:40 PM MT.