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Rockies hope to hold momentum vs. Braves

Apr 8, 2008 - 1:02 PM Atlanta (3-4) at Colorado (2-5) 8:35 pm EDT

DENVER (Ticker) - Having dropped five of their first six games and dangerously close to losing another on Monday, the Colorado Rockies finally showed some signs of life.

They will look to keep the momentum going when they host the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the eighth inning on Monday, Matt Holliday turned the Rockies fortunes with a two-run blast to put the team on top. Manny Corpas came on and locked up the save, clinching a 2-1 victory over Atlanta.

Offense has been the main problem thus far for the defending National League champs, who rank last in the major leagues in runs scored with just 12 in seven games. Their .209 batting average is also worst in the majors.

Colorado will hand the ball to young Ubaldo Jimenez (0-1, 5.40 ERA). The 24-year-old righthander suffered a loss in his first outing, allowing three runs in five innings as the Rockies were shutout by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jimenez made one start against Atlanta after being called up from the minors last season, surrendering six runs in 4 2/3 innings on August 4.

The Braves will counter with rookie Jair Jurrjens (1-0, 3.37). The 22-year-old righthander was sharp in his first start last week, holding the Pittsburgh Pirates to two runs and seven hits while striking out five in 5 1/3 innings to earn a win.