Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants game no. 68 thread: Hayden Birdsong vs. Antonio Senzatela

The Colorado Rockies have been oh-so-close twice against the San Francisco Giants over the last two days, but unfortunately two bullpen implosions meant two losses (and five-straight dating back to last Friday against the New York Mets). Entering the last two games, they were 12-1 when leading after seven innings. This afternoon, they will look to avoid their 12th sweep of the season and pick up their 13th win.

Antonio Senzatela (1-10, 6.68 ERA) will start for the Rockies. In his last outing, he came out of the bullpen for the first time since April 27, 2018 against the Miami Marlins after the Rockies elected to use Ryan Rolison as an opener. In that last outing against the Mets, Senzatela threw four scoreless innings while allowing three hits and striking out three in the 4-2 loss. He has faced the Giants 14 times (12 starts) and holds a 5-3 record and 4.52 ERA against them.

He will face right-hander Hayden Birdsong (3-1, 2.55 ERA), who is in his second season with the Giants after making his MLB debut last June. The 23-year-old is making his fifth start of the season after being brought into the rotation from the bullpen in mid-May. In his last start against the Atlanta Braves, Birdsong threw 4 2⁄3 innings and allowed two runs on two hits with five walks, five strikeouts and a hit batter. He faced the Rockies earlier this year on May 2, throwing two scoreless innings of relief in the Giants’ 4-0 victory. In three total appearances (two starts) against the Rockies, Birdsong holds a 2-0 record and a 1.38 ERA.

Can the Rockies get to the youngster today?

First Pitch: 1:10 p.m. MDT

TV: Rockies.tv

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

Lineups: