The set-up: The Colorado Rockies had ripped off six consecutive victories before dropping an 8-0 decision in the second of a two-game interleague series against the Los Angeles Angels last night. Colorado had allowed two runs or less five times during its six-game run but allowed eight runs on 12 hits in the loss. Colorado also saw its franchise-record string of quality starts snapped at nine in Wednesday's defeat. Meanwhile, Milwaukee capped a 2-3 homestand with a 6-2 loss to Cleveland on Wednesday. The 21-16 Brewers are in a four-way dogfight for first place in the National League Central, with the Cards, Pirates, Brewers and the Cubs are all within one game of each other. The Rockies are also 21-16 but 3 1/2 games back of the D-backs in the NL West. The Brewers open a 10-game road trip with tonight's game in Colorado, while the Rockies will conclude a six-game homestand with this four-game weekend series against Milwaukee.

The pitching matchup: Jhoulys Chacín (2-1, 4.08 ERA) will get the nod for Milwaukee while German Márquez (2-3, 4.76 ERA) takes the mound for Colorado. Chacín has bounced around since spending his first six major league seasons with the Colorado Rockies and is now with his fifth different team since the start of 2015. However, Chacin will be in a familiar spot when he takes the mound. Coors Field is not known as a pitcher's haven but Chacin managed to go 23-23 there while making 69 appearances (62 starts) for Colorado. He did not factor in the decision last time out against Pittsburgh, despite six strong innings in which he permitted one run on three hits, keeping him unbeaten in his last six starts despite failing to get through five innings in half of them (Brewers are 6-2 in Chacin's eight 2018 starts). He has made three starts against his former team, compiling a 1-1 record and 3.31 ERA. Marquez halted a two-start skid last time out with a strong performance at the New York Mets, striking out a season-high eight batters and allowing two runs and six hits over six innings. It was his third quality start in the last four outings. Marquez is 1-0 with a 4.63 ERA in two starts in his career against Milwaukee.

The pick: Milwaukee has remained in battle for first in the NL Central by going 15-2 against sub-.500 teams in the early going of the 2018. However, the Brewers are just 6-14 against teams over .500 (note: Colorado is 21-16). Yes, the Brewers are 6-2 in Chacin's starts this year, including 4-1 in his road outings. However, a closer look reveals that Chacin owns a 5.73 road ERA and 1.73 road WHIP. That won't cut it at Coors. Make Colorado an 8* play.