Looking Ahead: To A Winning Streak

Let's rattle off a few wins here shall we?

Won't be easy with Washington's clear cut ace, John Lannan, on the mound. Lannan is far from what you'd call a dominant ace, but has his nights where he's on and can shut down anyone. Hopefully this won't be one of those nights.

I believe the Rockies come in with a little edge as they saw a similar, though far less talented, version of Lannan last night in Scott Olsen. I'm sure Lannan will make some adjustments from the gameplan Olsen used, but the Rockies should probably stick to theirs. I wouldn't even be opposed to them using the same lineup.

We know that won't happen.
The Rockies desperately need a bounceback from Jason Hammel. Their bullpen is being taxed at an alarming rate and there's still no off days -- or fresh arms (Street, Buchhokz) -- in sight. That demand of 7 innings from De La Rosa definitely carries over to today. I'm demanding it... Jim Tracy is begging for it.

My Lineup Card

LF Gonzalez
CF Fowler
1B Helton
SS Tulowitzki
RF Spilborghs
3B Mora
C Iannetta
2B Barmes
P Hammel

Simulation

Rockies 7, Nationals 5 (10)

Jason Hammel continued his string of bleh by alloweing 4 ER, 9 H and 6 ugly BB over 5 innings... but lowered his ERA to 12.75. Hammel left the game down 4-1. Manny Corpas entered and hurled three very important scoreless innings. This not only kept the team in the game, it allowed Seth Smith to do what Seth Smith does best.

Smith would hit a PH game-typing 3-run HR off Matt Capps in the 9th. Rafael Betancourt loaded the bases in the bottom half, but struck out a pinch-hitter to send it to extras.

In extras, Jason Giambi delivered a PH RBI groundout. The next batter, Melvin Mora, ripped a 2-run single to ice it. Huston Street would allow a solo HR to Ryan Zimmerman, but struckout Adam Dunn to end the game. Fun game.