The Rockies' offense has always been a strength.

This year, however, it's been a problem.

The Rockies are 11th in the NL with 164 runs scored, and 10th in hitting with a .256 average.

The quartet of Todd Helton, Matt Holliday, Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe are not only hitting a combined .257 with runners in scoring position but have struck out 37 times while managing only 39 hits in 152 at-bats in that situation.

"We need to play better, in all aspects, to get out of this," said manager Clint Hurdle. "This isn't about what other teams are doing. You tip your hats to Arizona for the way it has played. This is about what we have to do to be as good as we are capable of being."

The lineup misses shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, out most likely until the All-Star break with a torn tendon in his left quadriceps, but has been given a lift from the strong play of Clint Barmes and Omar Quintanilla, who have become the primary players at shortstop and second.

They, however, are complementary players.

The bats expected to carry the load belong to Helton, Holliday, Atkins and Hawpe.

A year ago, they combined to hit .331 with runners in scoring position, striking out only 127 times, compared to 211 hits, in 667 at-bats.

This year, none of the four is even hitting .300 with runners in scoring position. More than that, it's how often they don't make contact in clutch situations that underscores the team's struggle.

"We know what needs to happen," said Hurdle.

The challenge for the Rockies is making it happen.

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