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After marathon contest, Rockies face Astros

Apr 18, 2008 - 2:21 PM Colorado (7-8) at Houston (8-8) 8:05 pm EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) - After playing the longest game in franchise history, the Colorado Rockies search for a source of energy on Friday when they open a three-game series against the Houston Astros.

Troy Tulowitzki plated the go-ahead run with two outs in the top of the 22nd inning Thursday night, lifting the Rockies to a 2-1 victory over the San Diego Padres.

The contest, which lasted 6 hours, 16 minutes, was the longest in the major leagues since August 31, 1993, when the Minnesota Twins defeated the Cleveland Indians, 5-4, in 23 innings.

The Rockies need a strong outing from starter Franklin Morales (0-1, 6.30 ERA) after using eight pitchers on Thursday.

Morales allowed seven runs and seven hits in just four innings en route to a 10-3 loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. The 22-year-old lefthander walked four and struck out just one.

Chris Sampson (0-1, 4.22) takes the mound for the Astros on Friday after surrendering three runs and six hits in four innings to the St. Louis Cardinals on April 9. The 29-year-old righthander walked one with one strikeout as the Astros suffered a 6-4 setback to the Cardinals.