Today’s Matchup – July 7, 2011

I hate to say this, but if yesterday’s was the C lineup, this is the D lineup. Seth Smith is really the only consistent hitter we have today, and he struggled yesterday. The good news is that Juan Nicasio is better than Aaron Cook, and Tim Hudson isn’t as good as Jair Jurrjens. So if the pitching matchup is more of a draw, perhaps the offensive one will be too. Cross your fingers everyone. A four-game sweep is never pretty.
Game #88 – Juan Nicasio (3-1, 4.10) vs. Tim Hudson (7-6, 3.57)
Colorado Rockies (41-46)
Games Back: 7.5 (NL West); 10.5 (Wild Card)
Games Left: 74
Streak: Lost 4
Last 10: 1-9
Elimination Number: 68
Today’s Lineup
Charlie Blackmon, CF
Jonathan Herrera, SS
Jason Giambi, 1B
Seth Smith, RF
Mark Ellis, 2B
Ian Stewart, 3B
Ryan Spilborghs, CF
Chris Iannetta, C
Juan Nicasio, P
Atlanta Braves (52-39)
Games Back: 3 (NL East); 0 (Wild Card)
Games Left: 73
Streak: Won 3
Last 10: 9-1
Elimination Number: 72
Tonight’s Lineup
Jordan Schafer, CF
Alex Gonzalez, SS
Chipper Jones, 3B
Freddie Freeman, 1B
Dan Uggla, 2B
Jason Heyward, RF
David Ross, C
Nate McLouth, LF
Tim Hudson, P
First pitch is 11:05 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time from Turner Field in Atlanta. In the Rocky Mountain region, the game is only available on MLB Network. In Atlanta, it will be on Fox Sports South as well. The game can also be heard on 850 KOA in Denver and on WNNX in Atlanta.