The Colorado Rockies entered today's series closer against the Atlanta Braves, hoping to steal at least one game of what has been a dreadful series. Rockies rookie pitcher Juan Nicasio matched up against veteran Braves pitcher Tim Hudson, and the results were not pretty.
Colorado started the day well, as Jonathan Herrera walked and then scored on a Jason Giambi double to give the Rockies an early 1-0 lead. They added on in the third inning, as Giambi hit a weak grounder that Hudson couldn't field, allowing Ty Wigginton to score from third on the fielder's choice. Wigginton did not start, but was an injury substitution for Charlie Blackmon, who suffered a fractured foot on the basepaths. No word as to how long he will be out of the lineup.
Just a week after pitching the best start of his young career, an eight inning shutout masterpiece against the Kansas City Royals, Nicasio had his shortest major league start as he was chased in the third inning after giving up five runs. He allowed seven total hits and walked three batters in just 2.1 innings. The damage was done by fellow rookie Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, who hit his fourth home run of the series, a three run blast that scored Alex Gonzalez and Chipper Jones. Jason Heyward would add a solo shot in the fifth inning to give the Braves a 6-2 lead.
Colorado now limps into their next series against the Washington Nationals with a 41-47 record, eight games back of the division leading San Fransisco Giants.