Atlanta Braves at Colorado Rockies. 1:10 P.M. MST.
Sometimes elite players do elite things and just flat out beat you. Justin Upton hit two home runs yesterday. On the NBA side of things, Steph Curry went absolutely bonkers as the Golden State Warriors plowed the Denver Nuggets in game 2 of their playoff series. That often leads to complementary players stepping up and piling on the opponent. BJ Upton, Evan Gattis, Julio Teheran, and a cast of others helped key a blowout victory for the Braves last night in Denver. Across town, Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes aided Curry in the effort as Golden State tied the series 1-1.
Now the Rockies turn to young Tyler Chatwood, who will make his 2013 season debut. Opposite him will be the ever-challenging Tim Hudson. Here is the starting lineup for the Rockies:
Escalona. Image: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Young Jr. RF
Dexter Fowler CF
Carlos Gonzalez LF
Wilin Rosario C
Michael Cuddyer 1B
Josh Rutledge 2B
Chris Nelson 3B
Jonathan Herrera SS
Tyler Chatwood P
Troy Tulowitzki gets a day off. Walt Weiss has shown that he is willing to spread days off over the course of the week, rather than running out a lineup full of back-ups on Sundays. He has also been more proactive in sitting CarGo and Tulo. Time will tell if there is wisdom in that approach. Here is the Braves starting lineup:
Ramiro Pena SS
BJ Upton CF
Justin Upton LF
Freddie Freeman 1B
Evan Gattis C
Juan Francisco 3B
Dan Uggla 2B
Jordan Schafer RF
Tim Hudson P
Hudson, who presumably represents the platonic ideal for the Rockies of a pitcher who works low in the zone, will go for his 200th win as the Braves go for the sweep at Coors Field.