Giants Vs. Rockies, Series Preview: Colorado Stops By For Two-Game Set At AT&T Park

Fresh off taking two of three from the Arizona Diamondbacks down in the desert, the San Francisco Giants return to AT&T Park Monday for a quick two-game set with the Colorado Rockies.

The Giants have been using a platoon of youngsters and call-ups as of late, leading to a 5-7 record over their last 12 games. The starting pitching continues to be staunch, holding opponents to three earned runs or fewer in 21 of their last 24 starts, though the lack of offense and lackluster defense have put them in some tough positions, leading to some tough losses. They plated twelve runs in their last two games, though committed two more errors as well to bump the season total up to 37, let's hope the former continues this week at AT&T Park.

As for Colorado, they've really been hurting as of late, winning only three of their last 12 contests. Much of their issues stem form their pitching, whom have gone 13-19 this year as a squad, including a NL worst 4.90 team ERA and .289 BAA. The offense continues to be solid though, plating the third most runs in the NL thus far with 159 in just 33 games.

Monday will be a battle of the ages as 24-year old lefty Christian Friedrich (1-0, 1.50) takes on 34-year old righty Ryan Vogelsong (1-2, 2.94). Friedrich looked good is his win over the Padres on Wednesday, holding them to two runs on five hits in six innings pitched, fanning seven while walking only one. As for Vogelsong, he was spot-on at Dodger Stadium his last time out, holding the boys in blue to one run on eight hits in 7.1 innings, walking three while striking out one. It's also Vogey's first start since a back injection late last week, so there's that to keep an eye on as well.

First pitch is set for 7:15 with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.

Tuesday's finale will feature Jeremy Guthrie (2-1, 5.92) taking on the enigmatic Tim Lincecum (2-3, 5.89), who's been on a bit of a roller-coaster this season. Timmy was on cruise control until the fourth inning of his last start, leaving an inning later with four runs and eight hits to his name, but eight strikeouts as well. As for Guthrie, he's fresh off the DL after some shoulder troubles, making a rehab start on Thursday for Single-A Modesto. He got the win in his last big-league start April 22, working seven innings with one run on three hits against the Brewers.

First pitch is once again at for 7:15 with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.

For more in depth discussion and top-notch analysis of the San Francisco Giants, head over to McCovey Chronicles. For the Rockies Chronicles of the story, check out Purple Row.