8:05pm

cubs -152....rockies +132

feel free to add your picks and thoughts about the game today


Colorado has dropped eight straight and 14 of 16 on the road.

The Rockies haven’t had a starting pitcher make it through six innings on the road since May 10, the first loss of their current eight-game slide away from home.

They’ll count on Jeff Francis (1-5, 6.18 ERA) to end that streak, but he’s been mired in a season-long slump after winning 17 games last year. Francis lasted six innings in his last outing but gave up six runs - five in the first - to the Mets in a 9-2 loss on Saturday.

Francis hasn’t had much luck at Wrigley Field, posting a 9.37 ERA in three starts without a decision.

Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee is 6-for-6 against Francis.

Colorado’s offense - which is missing injured stars Matt Holliday, Brad Hawpe, Clint Barmes and Troy Tulowitzki - is averaging just 3.5 runs in its last 17 games.

The Rockies will try to get their bats warmed up against Jason Marquis (2-3, 4.97). Marquis has won just one of his last six starts, and lasted 5 1-3 innings while allowing three runs on Saturday against Pittsburgh. He didn’t get a decision in the Cubs’ 5-4, 14-inning loss.

Marquis is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in his last four starts against Colorado.

By BRETT HUSTON, STATS Writer...from yahoo.com