Today’s Matchup – July 8, 2011

The Rockies have nowhere to go but up this weekend. After losing Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki, and Charlie Blackmon this week en route to being swept by the Braves, they are at the lowest of low points. The good news is that Cargo is back in the lineup tonight, and Tulo should be back tomorrow. The other good news is that this is our last series before the All-Star break, which may be just what we need.

I am in DC for this weekend’s games! The weather is looking rough, so there may not be one after all tonight, but if that’s the case there will likely be a doubleheader tomorrow. In any case, I will be tweeting play-by-play for both games, so follow me if you aren’t already. (@rockieswoman1)

Game #89 – Jason Hammel (4-8, 4.31) vs. John Lannan (5-5, 3.50)

Colorado Rockies (41-47)
Games Back: 8.5 (NL West); 11.5 (Wild Card)
Games Left: 73
Streak: Lost 5
Last 10: 3-7
Elimination Number: 66

Tonight’s Lineup
Carlos Gonzalez, CF
Jonathan Herrera, SS
Todd Helton, 1B
Ty Wigginton, LF
Mark Ellis, 2B
Cole Garner, RF
Ian Stewart, 3B
Chris Iannetta, C
Jason Hammel, P

Washington Nationals (45-44)
Games Back: 10.5 (NL East); 8 (Wild Card)
Games Left: 73
Streak: Lost 1
Last 10: 5-5
Elimination Number: 64

Tonight’s Lineup
Roger Bernadina, LF
Danny Espinosa, 2B
Ryan Zimmerman, 3B
Michael Morse, 1B
Jayson Werth, RF
Rick Ankiel, CF
Wilson Ramos, C
Ian Desmond, SS
John Lannan, P

First pitch is 5:10 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time from Nationals Park in Washington DC. In the Rocky Mountain region, the game is available on ROOT Sports. In the DC area, it will be on MASN 2. The game can also be heard on 850 KOA in Denver and on 106.7 in DC.