Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals Preview: Yohan Flande vs. Jordan Zimmermann

Jun 25, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Yohan Flande (58) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies will look to build on their series finale win in which they prevented a four-game sweep from the Milwaukee Brewers. Starting tonight, they’ll start a three-game set with the Washington Nationals who have activated outfielder Bryce Harper off of the disabled list.

Pitching Matchup:

COL: Yohan Flande (0-0, 7.20 ERA)
WSH: Jordan Zimmermann (5-4, 2.95 ERA)

Yohan Flande will be making his second Major League start as he looks to improve off of his debut against the St. Louis Cardinals last Wednesday. The 28-year-old out of the Dominican Republic would earn the no-decision as he gave up four runs on six hits through five innings, walking one and striking out four. Pitch count was an issue with Flande who needed 96 pitches to get through five — which will be something to watch out for tonight.

Jordan Zimmermann will get the call for the Washington Nationals as the 28-year-old looks to capture his sixth win of the 2014 season. Zimmermann was outstanding to say the least in his last start against the Milwaukee Brewers last Tuesday but he picked up the no-decision. He would give up just two runs on six hits, walking two and striking out nine over six innings of work. What’s more impressive is that Zimmermann has allowed just five earned runs over his past 38 innings pitched.

Rockies Lineup:

1: Charlie Blackmon – LF
2: Drew Stubbs – CF
3: Troy Tulowitzki – SS
4: Justin Morneau – 1B
5: Wilin Rosario – C
6: Ryan Wheeler – 3B
7: Brandon Barnes – RF
8: DJ LeMahieu – 2B
9: Yohan Flande – P

Nationals Lineup:

1: Denard Span – CF
2: Anthony Rendon – 2B
3: Jayson Werth – RF
4: Adam LaRoche – 1B
5: Ryan Zimmerman – 3B
6: Bryce Harper – LF
7: Ian Desmond – SS
8: Wilson Ramos – C
9: Jordan Zimmermann – P

Game Notes:

• DJ LeMahieu is 2-for-4 lifetime vs. Jordan Zimmermann with an RBI.
• Jordan Zimmermann is 4-0 with a 1.42 ERA lifetime vs. the Rockies in six starts.
• Nationals went 4-3 vs. Rockies in 2013.

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