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Braves continue road trip, face Rockies

Apr 27, 2007 - 2:48 PM Atlanta (13-8) at Colorado (9-13) 9:05 pm EDT

DENVER (Ticker) -- The Atlanta Braves continue a nine-game road trip Friday when they meet the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a three-game series.

Atlanta has split the first six games of its trek.

On Wednesday, the Braves squandered three-run ninth-inning lead in a 4-3 loss to Florida. It was the second blown save of the season for Braves, who squandered 29 last season - second to Kansas City (31).

After a 7-1 start, Atlanta has only managed to win six of the next 13 games.

The bullpen may need to regroup quickly as Chuck James (2-2, 4.22 ERA) takes the mound. The lefthander has lost his last two starts and has not lasted more than six innings in any of his four appearances this season.

Both of James' losses this season have taken place on the road. The latest came when he gave up six runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 7-2 defeat to the New York Mets on Saturday.

James does not have a decision with a 9.00 ERA in his two appearances against Colorado.

The Rockies counter with Jeff Francis (1-2, 6.46). The lefthander has struggled mightily at home, allowing 13 runs and 22 hits - including three homers - in 11 innings over his last two starts.

Francis holds a 2-1 record with an 8.40 ERA in three career starts against the Braves.

The Rockies may be catching the Braves at the right time, as they tied a season high in runs and pounded out 20 hits in an 11-5 win over the Mets on Wednesday. Matt Holliday went 2-for-4 with three RBI to extend his hitting streak to nine games, batting .514 (18-for-35) in that span.

Colorado is 7-3 against Atlanta at Coors Field since May 1, 2004. The Rockies have not lost a home series to the Braves since they were swept in three games from August 22-24, 2003.