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Rockies look to get back on track against Pirates

Jul 29, 2008 - 1:44 PM Colorado (48-59) at Pittsburgh (49-57), 7:05 pm EDT

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The Colorado Rockies will look to rebound from their second loss in 11 games since the All-Star break as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second game of a three-game set at PNC Park on Tuesday.

Led by the sizzling bats of Matt Holliday, Garrett Atkins and Jeff Baker, the Rockies have crawled back within contention in the wide-open National League West Division. However, Monday's loss to the Pirates may have lowered the volume of talks about pulling off another second-half surge.

Ian Snell won for only the second time in his past 17 starts as the Pirates rolled to an 8-4 triumph in the series opener. The righthander threw seven solid innings and was supported by plenty of offense as All-Star Nate McLouth homered while Doug Mientkiewicz and Ryan Doumit each had three hits and two RBI.

Holliday belted a two-run homer in the first, but wasn't able to spark the rest of the offense to rally for their sixth straight win.

The Rockies will send Glendon Rusch (4-3, 5.74 ERA) to the mound with hopes he can notch his fourth victory in as many starts.

The 33-year-old lefthander has given up six runs in his last 16 2/3 innings, spanning three outings. He dazzled against Pittsburgh on July 18, allowing two runs and six hits in 5 2/3 frames while walking none.

Yoslan Herrera (1-1, 9.75) counters for the Pirates, looking to improve on his last outing against the heavy-hitting Rockies. On July 19, he surrendered seven runs and eight hits in 1 1/3 shaky innings before dropping a 7-1 decision.

The 27-year-old rookie looked much better in his third major league start on Thursday while facing the San Diego Padres. He threw six shutout innings and surrendered six hits en route to a 9-1 win.