Minnesota Twins vs. Colorado Rockies Preview: Phil Hughes vs. Brett Anderson

Apr 6, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Brett Anderson (30) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies are on the verge of winning their second consecutive series Sunday afternoon as they get a key arm back in their starting rotation. After winning game one Friday night, the Rockies fell to the Twins Saturday afternoon by the final score of 9-3.

Pitching Matchup:

MIN:  Phil Hughes (9-5, 3.70 ERA)
COL:  Brett Anderson (0-2, 3.60 ERA)

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Phil Hughes will get the nod for the Minnesota Twins as they look to capitalize on a series victory. Hughes has been a key free agent pickup for the Twins as he has won nine games in 18 starts. Phil picked up his ninth win of the season this past Tuesday, giving up eight hits through 7.1 innings while striking out nine. It was a solid performance from the righty who struggled in his past three starts, giving up 18 earned runs while accumulating an ERA of 8.05 over that span.

Brett Anderson will look to give Colorado their second-straight series win as the southpaw makes his first start since April 12th. Anderson has been sidelined since April with a fractured finger that he suffered while attempting to lay down a bunt. During his rehab start this past Monday for the Triple-A affiliate Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Anderson tossed 5.2 innings, giving up one earned run on six hits, walking one and striking out four.

Rockies Lineup:

1: Charlie Blackmon – CF
2: Carlos Gonzalez – RF
3: Troy Tulowitzki – SS
4: Justin Morneau – 1B
5: Nolan Arenado – 3B
6: Corey Dickerson – LF
7: Wilin Rosario – C
8: DJ LeMahieu – 2B
9: Brett Anderson – P

Game Notes:

• Kyle Parker was optioned to Triple-A in favor of Rockies starter Brett Anderson.
• Brett Anderson is 3-2 lifetime vs. Twins in five career starts.
• Phil Hughes is 6-2 with a 2.29 ERA on the road this season.

First-pitch between the Minnesota Twins and Colorado Rockies is scheduled for 4:10 PM ET, 2:10 PM MT.