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Rockies' Jimenez searching for postseason form

Apr 25, 2008 - 2:49 PM Colorado (10-12) at LA Dodgers (9-12) 10:40 pm EDT

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - Ubaldo Jimenez burst onto the scene during the Colorado Rockies' improbable postseason run in 2007. However, the hard-throwing righthander is having a difficult time duplicating that success this season.

Jimenez tries to get on track Friday when the Rockies open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 24-year-old Jimenez (1-2, 4.64 ERA) allowed just four runs in 16 innings during the 2007 playoffs, helping the Rockies advance to their first World Series appearance in franchise history.

But Jimenez has allowed at least three runs in each of his first four starts this season and has pitched six innings just once. He has also struggled with his control, walking 17 in only 21 1/3 innings.

The talented young righty struggled in his only appearance at Dodger Stadium in 2007, allowing five runs and nine hits in four innings.

Hiroki Kuroda (1-2, 2.92) takes the mound for the Dodgers on Friday after throwing 118 pitches through six innings on Sunday.

The 33-year-old Japan native allowed two runs and seven hits, walking four while striking out four, but suffered the loss as Los Angeles dropped a 6-1 decision to the Atlanta Braves.