Today’s Matchup – July 1, 2011

All eyes will be on Mark Ellis as he makes his first start at 2nd base for the Rockies tonight. He comes with excellent defensive credentials, so hopefully we’ll get to see him turn a double play with Tulo and Helton. Offensively, he isn’t having a great season (batting .217), but some say the move from Oakland to Denver will make a difference. Let’s hope, because we could use a bat. Also, it looks like Charlie Blackmon is now Jim Tracy’s benched lefty of choice when the Rockies face an LHP. I’m glad Seth Smith is finally getting more starts, but I hope Tracy hasn’t lost faith in Blackmon.

Game #82: Juan Nicasio (2-1, 5.08) vs. Danny Duffy (1-2, 4.61)

Colorado Rockies (39-42)
Games Back: 6.5 (NL West); 7.5 (Wild Card)
Games Left: 80
Streak: Lost 2
Last 10: 4-6
Elimination Number: 75

Tonight’s Lineup
Carlos Gonzalez, CF
Mark Ellis, 2B
Todd Helton, 1B
Troy Tulowitzki, SS
Ty Wigginton, 3B
Seth Smith, RF
Ryan Spilborghs, LF
Chris Iannetta, C
Juan Nicasio, P

Kansas City Royals (33-48)
Games Back: 10.5 (AL Central); 13.5 (Wild Card)
Games Left: 80
Streak: Lost 3
Last 10: 2-8
Elimination Number: 71

Tonight’s Lineup
Chris Getz, 2B
Melky Cabrera, CF
Eric Hosmer, 1B
Alex Gordon, LF
Jeff Francoeur, RF
Mike Moustakas, 3B
Matt Treanor, C
Alcides Escobar, SS
Danny Duffy, P

First pitch is 6:10 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time from Coors Field in Denver. In the Rocky Mountain region, the game will be broadcast on ROOT Sports. In Kansas City, it will be on Fox Sports Kansas City. The game can also be heard on 850 KOA in Denver and on KCSP 610 in KC.