Juan Nicasio Helps Colorado Rockies Even Series With The Atlanta Braves

May 24, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Colorado Rockies manager Walt Weiss (22) and hitting coach Blake Doyle (25) congratulate shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) on a home run against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The reigning NL Batting Champion Michael Cuddyer would get things started in the bottom half of the second inning as he clubbed a solo home run to left off of Braves starter Mike Minor to take the early 1-0 lead.

Jumping ahead to the top half of the sixth inning, Troy Tulowitzki would deliver a towering moonshot home run to left off of Minor for his 14th home run of the season. His solo shot would give the Rockies a 2-0 lead.

Juan Nicasio pitched fairly well besides his four walks (two of which were to Freddie Freeman). Nicasio would throw six innings, giving up two hits, four walks, while striking out five.

The Georgia native Charlie Culberson filled in quite nicely for the injured Nolan Arenado. He would lead off the top half of the seventh with a double to left. After DJ LeMahieu moved him over to third with a groundout to short, pinch-hitter Charlie Blackmon would ground out to first as Culberson just sneaked in past the throw. He was initially ruled out at home but after replay, Culberson was ruled safe as Colorado took the 3-0 lead.

Rockies would bring in Boone Logan in the bottom half of the eighth to face two lefties but struggled. He would give up a double to Freddie Freeman, placing runners at second and third with one out. Walt Weiss would go with the righty Adam Ottavino to face Justin Upton who hit a sacrifice fly to left, scoring his brother to make it 3-1 Rockies. Ottavino would then strikeout Evan Gattis on a slider to end the inning.

LaTroy Hawkins would throw a clean ninth inning, giving up no hits while striking out one to seal the deal.

Notable Rockies Hitters:

• Troy Tulowitzki: 2-for-3, HR.
• Michael Cuddyer: 1-for-4, HR.
• Charlie Culberson: 2-for-4, 2B, R.

Rockies Pitching:

• Juan Nicasio (W, 5-2): 6.0 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 5 SO. 103 pitches, 61 strikes.
• Matt Belisle: 1.0 IP, 0 H.
• Boone Logan: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 SO.
• Adam Ottavino: 0.2 IP, 1 SO.
• LaTroy Hawkins (S, 11): 1.0 IP, 1 SO.

The Colorado Rockies (27-22) defeat the Atlanta Braves, 3-1. Colorado will look for the series win tomorrow afternoon as they send Franklin Morales (3-3, 5.30 ERA) to the hill. Atlanta will counter with a young arm in Julio Teheran (3-3, 1.92) who has been excellent this season. First-pitch is scheduled for 5:10 PM ET, 3:10 PM MT.