MLB Preview: Juan Nicasio vs. Homer Bailey

Apr 4, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Juan Nicasio (12) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies (23-16) look for their seventh consecutive series victory this afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds. Colorado’s bats exploded last night in an 11-2 victory as they look to continue mashing against Reds starter Homer Bailey.

Juan Nicasio will take the hill this afternoon against the Reds as the righty has had an up-and-down 2014 campaign this far. In his most recent outing against the Texas Rangers this past Tuesday, he would go just five innings due to an elevated pitch count of 88 plus a lack of command. Although he only gave up two hits, his one earned run was a home run while he walked five batters. On the season, Nicasio is currently 4-1 with a 3.89 ERA.

Homer Bailey will toe the rubber for the Cincinnati Reds. He like Nicasio, struggled with command in his last outing but limited the damage. He would throw six innings against the Boston Red Sox, giving up five hits, three runs, three earned, five walks, and five strikeouts on 110 pitches. He struggled out of the gates giving up 13 earned runs in 14.1 innings pitched, but has worked deeper into the game in his last four outings.

Game Notes:

• Rockies look for their 7th consecutive series victory (noted above).
• Back-to-back HR’s by Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson last night was the first time that the Rockies have done that since Eric Young and Ellis Burks back in 1996 vs. Florida Marlins.
• Troy Tulowitzki is 5-for-12 lifetime vs. Homer Bailey while teammate Michael McKenry is 3-for-8 lifetime with a double.
• Brandon Phillips is 3-for-3 vs. Juan Nicasio with a 2B, 3B, and a HR.

First-pitch between the Colorado Rockies and Cincinnati Reds is scheduled for 1:10 PM ET, 11:10 PM MT.