As the Colorado Rockies gear up for game No. 135 of the season, facing the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field, anticipation builds amidst fans for this highly attended series. This matchup features two pitchers—Cade Horton of the Cubs and Germán Márquez of the Rockies—who reflect the stark contrast in performance that has characterized their seasons.
### Cade Horton’s Remarkable Season
Cade Horton has been a revelation for the Cubs this year, boasting an impressive record of 8-4 and an enviable 2.88 ERA. As of late, Horton has shown extraordinary control on the mound, with an astounding statistic that speaks volumes: he has only allowed two earned runs in his last 37 innings pitched, translating to a minuscule ERA of 0.49 over those outings. The young pitcher has quickly established himself as a reliable asset for the Cubs, demonstrating not only his talent but also his ability to thrive under pressure.
In his previous encounter with the Rockies in May, Horton surrendered two runs across six innings, yet his team managed to secure a victory in extra innings. With a solid track record against the Rockies and an impressive current form, Horton will look to continue his dominance in this series.
### Germán Márquez’s Journey of Resilience
On the opposite side of the mound is Germán Márquez, who has found the season to be a challenging one, standing with a record of 3-11 and a 5.67 ERA. Márquez recently returned from the injured list, hoping to find consistency in what has been a tumultuous season. His impressive pedigree as the Rockies’ all-time strikeout leader could offer hope, but his inability to keep the ball down has proven costly. In his last five starts, he has allowed at least one home run, which significantly impacts his effectiveness.
Despite his struggles, Márquez’s previous outing against the Cubs saw him also limit runs to two over six innings. For the Rockies, successful pitching from Márquez is critical, especially as he aims to stabilize the starting rotation moving forward.
### Injuries and Lineup Adjustments
In terms of lineup changes, the Rockies will miss the services of Ryan Ritter, who is battling a swollen finger. Orlando Arcia steps in at second base, contributing to the dynamic of the infield. Ezequiel Tovar, who snapped an alarming 0-for-19 skid with a home run last night, is another key player to watch. With the potential for more fireworks, his performance will be crucial as the Rockies look to capitalize on their home field advantage.
Brenton Doyle, having had success against Horton in the past, including a home run and a walk in their limited encounters, could provide the Rockies with much-needed offense against a pitcher in top form.
### Fan Engagement and Atmosphere
As always, the series will also bring in a significant contingent of Cubs fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere at Coors Field where the ratio of blue to purple will be a topic of discussion among fans. The anticipation surrounding this event is palpable not only for the teams but for the community who come together, whether in support of the Rockies or the Cubs.
### Game Day Information
The first pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. MDT, providing fans with ample time to settle in for an evening of baseball. For those unable to attend, the game will be broadcast on Rockies.tv and radio coverage will be available on KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM and KNRV 1150 (Spanish).
### Conclusion
As the Rockies and Cubs meet, the importance of this game extends beyond records and statistics. For Cade Horton, it’s a chance to extend his dominance and for Germán Márquez, a critical opportunity for redemption in what has proven to be a challenging season. Fans on both sides will rally together to support their teams, making this series one to watch closely. Will the Rockies find their stride at home, or will the Cubs continue their strong performance? Time will tell as we await the excitement of game No. 135.
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