Rockies @ Pirates Pre-Game News and Notes: How will the Pirates rebound?

Jorge De La Rosa (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Ross Ohlendorf (0-0, 6.00 ERA

Game Buzz

The Pirates 7-1 loss to the Rockies in Thursday’s home opener was a buzz kill and how the Pirates respond tonight will be interesting to watch.

What you want to see out of this team tonight is rebound and be competitive, win or lose, against a Rockies team that is very good.

The Rockies will be looking to extend their winning streak to 5 games with starter Jorge De La Rosa taking mound.

De La Rosa who was at the top of the Pirates wishlist during free agency, is 1-0 on the season with a 0.00 ERA. In 5 1/3 innings, De La Rosa gave up 3 hits and 0 runs, while striking out 5 and walking 1, in the Rockies 3-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 2nd.

De La Rosa was 0-1 with a 3.65 ERA in two starts last season vs the Pirates.

The Pirates will be looking to rebound from a dismal game at the plate. Rockies No. 5 starter Esmil Rogers dominated the Pirates, giving up just 4 singles and 1 run in 7 1/3 innings.

In the midst of their four game winning streak, Rockies starters have posted a 1.82 ERA.

The Pirates will make some tweaks to their lineup.

Pedro Alvarez (0 HR – 4 RBI, .200) will moved down to 6th in the lineup and Matt Diaz (0 HR – 0 RBI, .100) will get the start in right field and bat 5th.

Although Alvarez is 2 for his last 17 and has gone hitless in 3 of 4 games, it’s somewhat of an add switch as Diaz has looked lost at the plate this season.

Neil Walker is 3-for-6 in his career against De La Rosa.

Ross Ohlendorf (0-0, 6.00 ERA) will get the start for the Pirates. Ohlendorf had an “okay” start from Sunday afternoon against the Chicago Cubs. Ohlendorf gave up 8 hits, 4 runs and 4 walks in 6 innings against the Cubs.

Ohlendorf is coming off an 1-11 season and an 0-5 spring where he posted a 9.82 ERA. He showed some encouraging signs in Sunday’s start, but several question marks surround Ohlendorf right now.

A key for Ohlendorf tonight will be his command and having success against Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki. Gonzalez and Tulowitzki combined for 5 RBI’s against yesterday.

Gonzalez is is 4 for 9 with a home run against Ohlendorf in his career, while Tulowitzki is 3 for 9 with 2 homers.

Tulowitzki who is emerging as one of the games top players, is an all-time .481 hitter.

The Pirates who open up the season with 10 straight games will also start catcher Jason Jaramillo tonight.

1. Jose Tabata, LF

2. Neil Walker, 2B

3. Andrew McCutchen, CF

4. Lyle Overbay, 1B

5. Matt Diaz, RF

6. Pedro Alvarez, 3B

7. Jason Jaramillo, C

8. Ronny Cedeno, SS

9. Ross Ohlendorf, P