Game 20 preview: Atlanta Braves (14-5) at Colorado Rockies (13-6)

First Pitch: 8:40 pm ET on SportSouth

Pitching Probables:
Julio Teheran (ATL) 0-0, 7.31 ERA
Jon Garland (COL) 2-0, 3.32 ERA

Braves Starting Lineup:
Ramiro Pena - 2B
BJ Upton - CF
Justin Upton - LF
Freddie Freeman - 1B
Juan Francisco - 3B
Gerald Laird - C
Andrelton Simmons - SS
Jordan Schafer - RF
Julio Teheran - P

Rockies Starting Lineup:
Eric Young - LF
Dexter Fowler - CF
Troy Tulowitzki - SS
Michael Cuddyer - RF
Jordan Pacheco - 1B
Josh Rutledge - 2B
Reid Brignac - 3B
Yorvit Torrealba - C
Jon Garland - P

Preview:
In the first game of the doubleheader, the Braves used 3 home runs from the bats of Justin Upton, Dan Uggla, and Evan Gattis and a terrific start by Mike Minor to snap their modest three game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Rockies. In the nightcap, young right hander, Julio Teheran will look to earn his first win of 2013. In his last start against the Pirates, Teheran gave up seven hits, four runs (all earned), walked three and struck out four through five innings. Teheran again received a no decision. Although the youngster has struggled through three starts, the Braves are a perfect 3-0. Opposing Teheran will be veteran righty, Jon Garland.
Garland spent most of his thirteen MLB seasons as a member of the White Sox. He's been solid over his career including winning a career high eighteen games in 2005 and 2006 with an all-star appearance. Garland has looked good in his three starts with the Rockies, posting a 2-0 record with a 3.32 ERA. In arguably his best start so far this season, Garland pitched seven strong innings, giving up six hits, two runs (both earned), and struck out four against the Mets.

Side note:
Braves pitching staff comes into play tonight with an ERA of 2.36, which is the best in baseball. That continued in the first game of the doubleheader as Minor pitched six strong innings, giving up five hits on three runs (all earned), walked two, and struck out five. The trio of Luis Avilan, Eric O'Flaherty, and Craig Kimbrel shut down the Rockies bats in innings 7-9, giving up only one hit.