The Rockies are flying high after their come from behind victory yesterday and when they land they will be taking the field in Atlanta to face off with the Braves.
The Rockies finally brought their Big Boy bats to the ballpark yesterday and were able to knock three home runs into the stands. The home runs were hit by Corey Dickerson, Michael Cuddyer and Troy Tulowitzki. The home run by Dickerson was his first career jack at the Major League level, and based on his smooth swing, it was the first of many more. One concern will still have to be the bullpen as Matt Belisle failed to hold the lead for the Rockies but was bailed out by the offense. If the Rockies are going to make a run at the division this year then it will have to be an issue that is addressed prior to the trade deadline this week. All in all, if the Rockies can stay healthy and play to their potential, then they have a good shot to chase down the Dodgers…if they ever cool off.
Taking the hill tonight for the Rockies is the ever reliable Jorge De La Rosa. De La Rosa took the win in his last start against the Marlins and pitched well enough to lower his ERA below three. On the year he is now 10-5 with a 2.97 ERA. He didn’t have his best stuff in that start but was able to fight through and earn the victory. He went six innings allowing five hits, no runs, one walk and struck out five. He became the first Rockies pitcher on the year to breach the 10 victory mark. He has been one of the most consistent pitchers this year for the Rockies and has anchored down the starting rotation. On the road this year, he has pitched well but has just a 4-4 record to show for it. In his 11 starts on the road he has a very good 4.25 ERA and is holding the opponents to a .240 average. Current Braves are hitting for a combined .315 average with two home runs and nine RBI. Justin Upton has done well off of De La Rosa as he is 6 for 17 against him in their matchups. De La Rosa was a little bit wild in his last start despite the fact that he only walked one in the start. He will look to improve that against the Braves and lower his pitch count so he can last longer in the game.
The Braves will be sending Brandon Beachy to the mound today to face off against the Rockies. Beachy will be making his first start this season and his first start since June of 2012 when he had elbow surgery. In 2012, Beachy was 5-5 with a National League leading 2.00 ERA at the time of the injury and seemed destined to be heading to his first All Star game. the 26 year old has a career 12-10 record with a very good 3.07 ERA over three seasons with the Braves. He also averages more than a strikeout per inning as he has struck out 252 batters in 237 2/3rd innings. Beachy is probably wishing that he was making his return against a different team as current Rockies are hitting .308 against him with two doubles, one triple and two home runs in 26 combined at bats. Troy Tulowitzki is 3 for 5 against him with one double, one home run and three RBI.
The Braves lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Jason Heyward, CF
2. Justin Upton, RF
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Evan Gattis, C
5. Chris Johnson, 3B
6. Dan Uggla, 2B
7. Andrelton Simmons, SS
8. Joey Terdoslavich, RF
9. Brandon Beachy, P
The Rockies lineup for the game tonight is as follows:
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. DJ LaMahieu, 2B
3. Carlos Gonzalez, LF
4. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Todd Helton, 1B
7. Willin Rosario, C
8. Nolan Arenado, 3B
9. Jorge De La Rosa, P
First pitch for the game tonight is at 5:10 PM Mountain time. The Rockies will be looking to welcome Brandon Beachy back to the Major Leagues with a hit parade so they can give him an early exit. This will practically be a home game for Dexter Fowler as he returns home to Atlanta and will be playing in front of a large number of family and friends.
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.
