The Atlanta Braves wrapped up the month of June with a three-game sweep of the Mariners and opened July by taking two of three from the Orioles. Now, they want to finish the first half of the season just as strong with a four-game set against the Colorado Rockies starting today at Turner Field, followed by three games in Philadelphia before the All-Star Break. 

Tonight against Colorado, Tommy Hanson (9-4, 2.62 ERA) takes the mound. Though interrupted by a stint on the disabled list, he’s a perfect 3-0 in his last three starts and has racked up 28 strikeouts over 19 innings. Against Seattle last Tuesday, he allowed three earned runs and six hits over six innings in his return from the DL, but was aided by a big night at the plate from Brian McCann and his four hits and two RBIs.

On Tuesday, Derek Lowe (4-6, 4.16) will take the mound and try to repeat last week’s performance from against Seattle when he gave up just one earned run over six innings.  

GWINNETT BRAVES: The Triple-A G-Braves are also looking to go into their All-Star Game on July 13 with some momentum. This is the final full week on the schedule before the Pacific Coast League and International League All-Stars meet in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

This week, Gwinnett plays a two-game series against the Durham Bulls starting today at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville. 

Then on Wednesday, Gwinnett visits the Charlotte Knights for a pair of games before returning home for a four-game set against these same Knights. 

On the All-Star roster, Gwinnett starting pitcher Julio Teheran (9-1, 1.79 ERA) has the best stats currently in the International League. Also representing the G-Braves on the All-Star squad are outfielders Jose Constanza (.338 avg., 19 SB) and Stefan Gartrell (.275 avg., 16 HR), and first baseman Mauro Gomez (.291 avg., 14 HR).