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Pirates go for sweep of Rockies

Jul 30, 2008 - 1:01 PM Colorado (48-60) at Pittsburgh (50-57) 7:10 p.m. EDT

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates opened the second half by being swept in Colorado. They look to return the favor when they take on the Rockies in the series finale on Wednesday.

Four straight losses at Coors Field dropped the Pirates a season-worst 10 games under .500 on July 20, but after a pair of comeback wins in the first two games of this series, Pittsburgh will be going for its second series sweep since the All-Star break.

The Pirates also swept three games in Houston last week.

It won't be easy for the Pirates. Starter Zach Duke (4-8, 5.04) has not won since June 9, going 0-4 in his last eight starts. The struggling lefthander has given up at least five runs in four straight starts, surrendering seven home runs. All of his wins have come at home.

Aaron Cook (13-6. 3.46) looks to play the role of stopper for the Rockies, who came to Pittsburgh having won nine of 10 after the All-Star break. The All-Star is 3-1 in his last five starts and 7-2 in 11 starts following a Colorado loss.

The two faced off on July 20, with the Rockies upending the Pirates, 11-3. Duke allowed a season-high nine runs on 10 hits and one walk in five innings, while Cook surrendered three runs on five hits, walking one, in seven innings.

Colorado climbed within 10 games of .500 with their series finale win in Cincinnati on Sunday for the first time since May 25, but will be trying to avoid being swept on the road for the sixth time.

The Rockies jumped to 3-0 leads in both games of the series, but the bullpen faltered in each, giving up a combined nine runs in seven innings.