Freeman and the Braves look to improve to 6-0 against the Rockies this year when they continue a four-game series at Coors Field on Tuesday night.
8:40 PM ET, July 19, 2011Atlanta (57-39) is enjoying its longest win streak over Colorado (45-51) since winning all six meetings in 2003. This year's success has been sparked by Freeman, who has hit safely in every matchup by going 10 for 19 with five homers, 10 RBIs and six runs.
Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
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"He must be eating from a different box of Wheaties right now," Rockies pitcher Jason Hammel said.
Freeman had a homer among his three hits and drove in three runs Monday in a 7-4 victory. He's second in the majors among rookies with 50 RBIs -- seven in his last four games -- and third with 14 homers.
The Braves won Monday even though right fielder Jason Heyward was scratched from the lineup due to a bruised left foot and replaced by Nate McLouth. Heyward is day to day.
Rookie Craig Kimbrel recorded his 16th straight scoreless appearance, striking out the side in the ninth for his 29th save in 34 chances.
The Rockies have lost three straight and nine of 13 as they fall further out of contention. That includes a four-game sweep in Atlanta from July 4-7 in which they were outscored 24-8.
That series created speculation that Ubaldo Jimenez (5-8, 4.08 ERA), Tuesday's starter, may be on the trading block. Jimenez is signed for the next three years at just under $18 million, and says he wants to stay in Colorado.
The right-hander has started to pitch better after being hampered by thumb and hip injuries during a poor first part of his season, going 4-1 with a 3.05 ERA in his last six outings. The lone defeat was July 4 to the Braves when he allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings and struck out nine in a 4-1 loss.
Jimenez fell to 2-4 with a 3.95 ERA in seven starts against Atlanta, as Freeman hit a two-run homer off him in the first inning.
The Rockies beleaguered ace has posted consecutive victories, allowing two runs over six innings Thursday in a 12-3 win over Milwaukee. He has not won three straight starts all year.
"I'm definitely feeling much better," Jimenez said.
The Braves will counter with rookie Brandon Beachy (3-1, 3.21), who has not allowed more than three runs in his last nine outings while going 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA.
The right-hander last pitched July 8 when he gave up two runs over six innings in a 3-2, 10-inning loss at Philadelphia. Beachy has never faced Colorado.