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Jimenez takes the ball for Rockies in finale with Diamondbacks

Jul 24, 2011 - 2:34 PM (Sports Network) - Ubaldo Jimenez takes aim at his fourth straight win this afternoon when the Colorado Rockies close out a three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

After winning just one of his first seven decisions, Jimenez has started to resemble the pitcher who won 19 games a year ago, winning five of his last six decisions.

Jimenez's latest win came on Tuesday against Atlanta, as he allowed two runs, seven hits and struck out nine in 6 2/3 innings to improve to 6-8, while lowering his earned run average to 4.00.

In 15 starts against the Diamondbacks Jimenez has posted a 5-4 mark with a 3.02 ERA.

Arizona, meanwhile, will counter with righty Micha Owings, who will be making a spot start this afternoon. Owings has made two starts this season, but has pitched primarily out of the bullpen and is 3-0 with a 3.76 ERA in 16 overall appearances.

"It's not something I've done a whole lot in the past, as far as spot starting. I have done it, but I think you can't really get caught up in pitch count or how many innings you're going," Owings said. "The main thing is, just stay focused on the job you have to do and get outs, and do the best you can for this team."

Owings could use some of the run support Arizona provided Josh Collmenter with on Saturday, as Justin Upton was 3-for-5 with six RBI, including a seventh- inning grand slam to help the Diamondbacks to a 12-3 rout.

Upton now has 10 hits in his last 19 at-bats following an 0-for-19 stretch.

Miguel Montero went 2-for-4 with five RBI including a two-run homer in the second inning, as Arizona picked up its 15th win against divisional foes.

Collmenter (6-5) earned his second consecutive win after giving up three runs on six hits over seven innings.

Troy Tulowitzki was 2-for-3 with a solo homer and Ty Wigginton added a two-run single for Colorado, which lost for the fifth time in eight games.

Rockies starter Jason Hammel (5-10) was pegged with the loss. He gave up eight runs on 12 hits in 5 2/3 innings despite feeling like an historic night was in the works.

"The whole way, from the get go, I was thinking no-hitter stuff," said Hammel. "It's pretty frustrating when you get tagged for eight (runs) after that. You just have to keep plugging along.

"It's very frustrating, because I know that I have all the talent in the world and for this team to take the next step I need to be a big part of that, so I've got to take the next step, too. Tonight, I thought, was going to be a good night."

Arizona is 7-4 versus the Rockies this season.