MLB Preview: Juan Nicasio vs. Corey Kluber

May 24, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Juan Nicasio (12) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies (28-25) are in need of a spark Friday night as they take on the Cleveland Indians in a three-game set. Colorado went 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position Wednesday night, leaving 14 runners on base. Friday night they look to get back into the swing of things on the offensive side.

Juan Nicasio takes the hill for the Rockies who desperately need to a win to keep up with the surging San Francisco Giants. The righty is perhaps coming off one of his best starts all season against the Atlanta Braves this past Saturday. He would give up just two hits in six innings of work, walking four and striking out six. Nicasio is 5-2 on the season with a 3.61 ERA, but another reason he is so successful is that the Rockies offense is scoring 6.80 runs per game when he takes the hill — most in the Major Leagues.

Corey Kluber will counter for the Cleveland Indians. He too is coming off of some shutout ball against the Baltimore Orioles last Saturday, giving up just five hits in seven innings, walking two and striking out nine. The righty has posted a 2.02 ERA in the month of May, striking out 48 batters in his last five starts. Kluber is currently second in the American League in strikeouts with 83 and presents a tough challenge for a Rockies team who is slumping of late.

Rockies Lineup:

1: Charlie Blackmon – CF
2: Corey Dickerson – DH
3: Troy Tulowitzki – SS
4: Carlos Gonzalez – LF
5: Michael Cuddyer – RF
6: Justin Morneau – 1B
7: Wilin Rosario – C
8: Charlie Culberson – 3B
9: DJ LeMahieu – 2B

Game Notes:

• Justin Morneau is 5-for-12 lifetime vs. Corey Kluber with a HR and 4 RBI’s.
• The Colorado Rockies have dropped 11 of their last 17 games.
• Jason Kipnis is on an 0-for-15 slide since coming back from a right oblique injury.

First-pitch between the Colorado Rockies and Cleveland Indians is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET, 5:05 PM MT.