First Time All Star Ross Takes On Rockies

Jul 2, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher

(38) pitches during the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

After a couple tough losses, the Padres found themselves back into the win column last night with a 6-1 victory in Game One of this series in Colorado. One win is simply just a win, but 2 wins is a streak, and tonight they’ll look to kick start another winning streak just as long, if not longer, than the one that just ended.

Who better to send to the mound to kick start a streak than an All-Star, and the Padres will do just that. Tyson Ross (7-8, 2.93 ERA) will make his first start since earning the honor of being named to his first All Star game. If your asking yourself “Why is Ross an All Star?” just look back to his last start against the Reds. A complete game shutout where he allowed just 3 hits while striking out 9 and walking none, only the 5th Padre to ever accomplish such a feat. If you want a bigger sample size look at the 6 other times where he’s allowed 1 run or fewer (8 times if you only count earned runs). If those numbers don’t sell you than I don’t know what will. If Ross can look like the All Star that he is then he should have no problems picking apart this Colorado Rockies offense.

The Rockies will counter with Franklin Morales (4-4, 5.51 ERA). Morales was a world champion last year after spending the past 2 1/2 years of his career in Boston. He’s struggled with his identity in this league though. Throughout his entire career he’s flipped back and forth between being a reliever and a starter and what sometimes feels like a weekly basis. Just this season he’s made 12 starts while appearing as a reliever 9 times. Either way, he’s struggled in both roles in 2014. One way attribute that to pitching in a very hitter friendly venue, but his road numbers have been significantly worse than when he’s at home. Regardless, Morales has not been able to find himself anywhere in any role.

Chase Headley will be batting in the 2 hole yet again today. It’s a spot that he seems to have grown some sort of affinity towards as he is now hitting .440/.440/.520 in that spot. He looks like the Chaser Headley who had finished 5th in the MVP voting just a few short seasons ago. This helps the Padres not just in the field, but it may also benefit them for years to come. As Headley’s bat continues to heat as the we draw nearer and nearer to the trade deadline Headley’s value continues to rise and he becomes more of an asset everyday.

Hopefully the Padres can continue this hot run that their on and secure a series victory with their 12th win in their last 20 games. First pitch is at 5:40 PDT.

Keep the Faith.