Rockies vs Angels Preview: Sugano, Rodriguez Meet in Coors-Field Clash

Hunter Goodman is turning heads this season. The 25-year-old catcher is crushing the ball with a .350 average against the Angels. Last year he made the All-Star team and smacked 31 home runs from behind the plate. That's rare power from a catcher. Yesterday he launched a solo shot to left field that soared 384 feet. Goodman's bat is the spark keeping Colorado's lineup dangerous. If he stays hot, the Rockies have a real chance to steal this series.

Tomoyuki Sugano is the Rockies' secret weapon tonight. The Japanese veteran owns a 2.14 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP, which are elite numbers. Sugano has struck out 4 batters in this matchup already. His control is sharp. He doesn't give up hard contact. The Angels know what's coming but stopping Sugano is another story. Los Angeles has lost three straight games, so they need runs early. If Sugano pitches like he has been, the Rockies will be tough to beat.

Yesterday's game came down to the final pitch. The Rockies trailed 8-6 heading into the ninth inning. Kyle Karros doubled to left to spark the rally. Tyler Freeman then lined a single to left. Then Hunter Goodman crushed a three-run homer that went 384 feet to left field. The Angels tied it up with a Jorge Soler triple. But Colorado wouldn't quit. In the top of the ninth, a sacrifice fly pushed the go-ahead run across. The Rockies won 9-8. That's the kind of game that builds championship heart.