Atlanta Braves 1B Freddie Freeman continues to hurt the Rockies, as he drove in three during a 7-4 victory over the Rockies. Freeman landed the big blow in the three-run third inning with a two-run home run (14). He would add another RBI with a ground out in the sixth.
The Braves got on board first with two runs in the second inning. Pitcher Derek Lowe hit into what should have been the final out of the inning, but Todd Helton failed to come up with the ball. So with the bases loaded and two outs, the error put two men across home plate. Eric Hinske hit a solo home run in the third inning, and Alex Gonzalez drove in Hinske in the fifth inning for another run.
Jason Hammel (5-9, 4.36 ERA) took the hook for six of the seven runs in his five innings. He walked three and struck out one. Eric Stults gave up Freeman's second RBI. Rex Brothers struck out two in one inning of work. Rafael Betancourt struck out the side in the top of the ninth.
Derek Lowe (6-7, 4.37 ERA) did well enough by allowing four runs in 6.1 innings, as he is somewhat of a mirror version of Hammel this season. Rookie closer Craig Kimbrel picked up his 29th save this season by striking out the side to end the game.
The Rockies (45-51, 24-25 home) will look for their first victory this season against the Braves on Tuesday at 6:40 p.m. MT. Brandon Beachy and Ubaldo Jimenez are scheduled to start.
For more on the Rockies, visit Purple Row. Check out Talking Chop and SB Nation Atlanta for the Braves.