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Sheets takes his turn as Brewers face Rockies

Jul 9, 2008 - 1:24 PM Colorado (38-53) at Milwaukee (50-40) 8:05 p.m. EDT

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- Ben Sheets will try to match his new running mate with a win Wednesday when the Milwaukee Brewers host the Colorado Rockies.

CC Sabathia made his Brewers debut Tuesday night and picked up the win, allowing three runs - two earned - in six innings in the 7-3 victory.

Milwaukee on Monday acquired Sabathia to team will Sheets at the top of the rotation as the team makes a strong push towards the playoffs.

With the reigning American League Cy Young winner on board it may be easy to overlook Sheets, but the veteran righthander has been solid of late and is in line for the most productive season of his career.

Sheets (10-2, 2.77 ERA) has allowed two runs or fewer in seven of his last nine starts and was named to the National League All-Star team on Sunday. He did not factor in the decision in a start at Colorado June 6 despite allowing just one run and five hits in six innings.

Sheets, who turns 30 on July 18, is a free agent after this season and is two wins shy of matching his career-high of 12.

The Rockies will counter with journeyman Glendon Rusch (1-3, 7.36). The lefthander, who played with Milwaukee from 2002-03, began the season in the San Diego Padres system.

Rusch will be making his third appearance - second start - for Colorado since being claimed off waivers. He is 4-2 with a 3.59 ERA in 14 games - eight starts - in his career against the Brewers.