Keys to the Game (6/6)

Keys to the game-
1.) Come out with some energy! Yesterday we had a much needed day off, and that is good because we face the Colorado Rockies tonight. They have a 36-23 record, and are in 1st place in the NL West. The Rockies are built around talented players that have a 'can do' attitude that makes them believe they can win any game at anytime. If we show up and play like dead slugs... We are going to really struggle against this team. We have got to be confident, pumped up with energy and efficiency. I don't want to hear any 'altitude/thin air' excuses. Eat a Snickers, drink a powered, splash some cold water on your face- do whatever you have to do to amp yourself up. Show up ready to play, ready to compete.
2.) Your pitching in a hitters paradise: Quality=Success. Mike Clevinger (2-2, 3.10 ERA, 32 K's in 29 innings pitched), is coming off of a hard luck loss against the Athletics. He pitched well against Oakland, going 6 2/3 innings giving up 3 runs on 5 hits. He got the loss because of a lack of run support. He takes the mound today looking for a better outcome at Coors Field, where hits are (or at least can) be plentiful. So he is going to need to be sure the he maintains his control and avoids throwing meatballs over the plate. If he can limit their run production, perhaps our offense can repay him with some runs. Speaking of that...
3.) Figure out the fastball. We face Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela tonight, who lives and dies by way of his fastball. He throws his heater, which tops out at 95-97 mph, about 77% of the time. His fastball also has a lot of movement, so he gets alot of swings and misses and jam jobs. He does not get frazzled easily, his opponents are just 8 for 48 against him with risp. Small ball is the name of the game. Figure out how to manufacture runs against Senzatela, and shrink the strike zone.