(Photo Credit: CBS Denver)
Despite a promising start to tonight’s game, the Rockies were trounced by the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field in Atlanta by a score of 11-3.
After 3 consecutive excellent starts, Juan Nicasio was roughed up by the Atlanta Braves for 8 runs, while only lasting 4 innings. In the first 2 games of the series De La Rosa and Nicasio have combined to allow 16 runs (13 earned) on 20 hits in just 9 innings pitched. For Atlanta, Alex Wood notched his first major league win, overcoming a tough start to the game to go 7 strong innings in the winning effort.
Much Like Monday night, the Rockies jumped out to an early lead, after a leadoff walk to Dexter Fowler, DJ LeMahieu moved Fowler to third with a single, Carlos Gonzalez drove in Fowler with a sac fly. The Braves answered with a solo homerun from the Rockies Killer, Freddie Freeman in the bottom of the 1st. In the second inning Nolan Arenado launched a two-run homerun to left giving the Rockies a 3-1. Nicasio worked out of trouble in the second inning and escaped the 3rd inning only allowing 1 run on an RBI double from Justin Upton, stranding 2 runners. With 2 outs in the bottom of the 4th, the flood gates would open, Jason Heyward would tie the game up with an RBI single driving in Dan Uggla who led the inning off with a double. Justin Upton would follow with a ground rule double, Freeman was intentionally walked to load the bases, Evan Gattis would give the Braves their first lead of the game with a 2-run single to left and Brian McCann would deliver the decisive blow with a 3-run homer to right giving the Braves an 8-3 lead that they would never relinquish. The Rockies had their lone chance in the 7th squandered as Cuddyer was cut down at the plate attempting to score on a double to left-center from Rosario. Freddie Freeman would pad the Braves lead with a 3-run homerun in the 7th, his 2nd homerun in the game.
Juan Nicasio inability to get the 3rd out in the 4th inning tonight proved to be too much to overcome. Nicasio was hit around Turner Field tonight to the tune of 8 runs on 10 hits with 4 strikeouts and 3 walks. Jeff Francis did his job in relief going 2 1/3 allowing 2 runs on 3 hits with 3 strikeouts and 1 walk. Both of Francis’ runs came across on Freeman’s 2nd homerun of the night off Edgmer Escalona in the 7th. Wilton Lopez did work a perfect inning in the 8th. The Rockies were highlighted offensively by the 2-run homerun from Arenado and a 2-hit effort from Michael Cuddyer.
Both teams are back in action tomorrow tonight, as the Rockies look to end the month of July on a high note. First pitch is slated for 5:10 PM Mountain time and promises to be a pitcher’s duel as Tyler Chatwood (7-3, 2.48 ERA) takes on Mike Minor (10-5, 2.89 ERA).
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Dave Land
Dave is a Sports Administration Major at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He interned for the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche Group Ticket Sales departments. He's worked as an Event Manager for the Gold Crown Foundation. He has worked in sports through all facets of the game, and with Youth, High School, College, Minor Leagues, and Major Leagues at all different capacities.
