AP Sports Preview: Cubs at Rockies

DENVER (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies play the second game of their three-game series Thursday afternoon at Coors Field. First pitch is at 3:10 p.m. EDT, with clear skies and a game-time temperature of 86 degrees.

Chicago (34-33) enters having lost three of its last four, including Tuesday night’s 7-3 defeat to the Rockies in the series opener. The Cubs are 1-4 in their last five road games.

Colorado (25-42) snapped a five-game losing streak with Tuesday’s win. The Rockies are 13-20 at home.

Pitching matchup

The Cubs have a decision to make on their starter. Right-hander Edward Cabrera (3-3) and right-hander Ryan Feltner (2-1) are listed as probable pitchers. Both have struggled with consistency. Cabrera has a 4.50 ERA over his last three starts. Feltner has allowed three earned runs in each of his past two outings.

The Rockies will counter with right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano (4-1), who earned the win Tuesday against Chicago. He allowed three runs on six hits over five innings. Sugano has won his last two starts.

Players to watch

Cubs left-handed reliever Ryan Rolison has been a bright spot out of the bullpen. Over his last 10 appearances, Rolison has not allowed an earned run in 11 2/3 innings, striking out 12. He faced one batter Tuesday and recorded a strikeout.

Colorado designated hitter Edouard Julien drove in three runs Tuesday and is hitting .312 in his last 10 games. Catcher Hunter Goodman hit a two-run home run in the series opener.

Head to head

The Cubs have lost three straight to the Rockies and are 3-7 in their last 10 meetings at Coors Field.

Betting line

The Cubs are -1.5 favorites on the run line. The over/under is 11.5. The Interstat game simulator projects a 4-3 Rockies win.

Up next

The series finale is Thursday afternoon at Coors Field. Chicago travels to San Francisco for a weekend series starting Friday. Colorado heads to for a three-game set beginning Friday.