Braves vs. Rockies Preview: Mike Minor vs. Juan Nicasio

Jun 5, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Juan Nicasio (12) delivers a pitch in the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies have struggled as a team of late and against the Atlanta Braves. Colorado has lost 21 of their last 26 games against the Braves as they currently sit 29-34 on the season. Colorado received some good pitching from rookie Christian Bergman in last night’s start, but the offense wasn’t there as they fell, 3-1.

Pitching Matchup:

ATL: Mike Minor (2-4, 3.07 ERA)
COL: Juan Nicasio (5-4, 4.68 ERA)

Juan Nicasio will get the nod for the Rockies in game two of a four-game set. Nicasio has been up and down all year for the Rockies as he hasn’t shown consistency as a starter. He has been roughed up in his last two starts, giving up 12 earned runs in 10 innings pitched. In his most recent outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Nicasio surrendered 11 hits and 7 earned while making it through just 5.1 innings — picking up his 2nd consecutive loss.

Mike Minor will go for the Braves as he had some success against Colorado earlier this season. Back on May 24th, Minor gave up three earned in 6.1 innings pitched, picking up the loss as the Rockies came away with the win, 3-1. Minor is coming off of a terrific outing against the Seattle Mariners on June 4th, giving up just one earned in 7.0 innings as he struck out 10 batters.

Rockies Lineup:

1: Brandon Barnes – RF
2: Corey Dickerson – LF
3: Troy Tulowitzki – SS
4: Wilin Rosario – C
5: Drew Stubbs – CF
6: Justin Morneau – 1B
7: Josh Rutledge – 2B
8: DJ LeMahieu – 3B
9: Juan Nicasio – P

Game Notes:

• Drew Stubbs is 2-for-4 lifetime vs. Mike Minor with 2 HR’s, 2 RBI’s.
• Braves are 8-3 in their last 11 games at Coors Field.
• Chris Johnson is 4-for-11 lifetime vs. Juan Nicasio.

First-pitch between the Atlanta Braves and Colorado Rockies is scheduled for 8:40 PM ET, 6:40 PM MT.