Preview: Colorado Rockies vs. Detroit Tigers. Franklin Morales vs. Justin Verlander

July 21, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Franklin Morales (56) pitches in the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies open up a three-game set beginning Friday night against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. The Rockies are coming off of a disappointing four-game set with the Chicago Cubs where they dropped three out of four.

Pitching Matchup:

COL: Franklin Morales (5-5, 5.18 ERA)
DET: Justin Verlander (9-9, 4.79 ERA)

Franklin Morales takes the hill for the Colorado Rockies, trying to get them back into the win column. Morales struggled with command during his last time out against the Pittsburgh Pirates, walking five batters as he exited after the fourth inning with 99 pitches. Franklin gave up two runs on six hits while striking out three, picking up the no-decision.

Justin Verlander will get the series opener for the Detroit Tigers as he looks to build on his last start. On July 26th against the Los Angeles Angels, Verlander gave up three runs on six hits through seven innings, walking three and striking out four. He ended up picking up the loss as the offense couldn’t get anything going, falling 4-0. Tonight, Verlander faces a strikeout prone Rockies squad which looks like the odds are in his favor.

Rockies Lineup:

1: Charlie Blackmon – LF
2: Corey Dickerson – DH
3: Nolan Arenado – 3B
4: Justin Morneau – 1B
5: Carlos Gonzalez – RF
6: Drew Stubbs – CF
7: Wilin Rosario – C
8: Josh Rutledge – SS
9: DJ LeMahieu – 2B

Game Notes:

• Justin Morneau is 12-for-49 lifetime vs. Justin Verlander with 5 doubles, 2 home runs, 5 RBI’s and 8 walks.
• Rajai Davis is 4-for-7 lifetime vs. Franklin Morales with 1 double, 2 walks.
• Torii Hunter is 2-for-4 lifetime vs. Franklin Morales with 2 singles.

First-pitch between the Colorado Rockies and Detroit Tigers is scheduled for 7:08 PM ET, 5:08 PM MT.