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Rockies first pitch

Published May 10, 2007 at midnight

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PLAYING TIME

Left fielder Matt Holliday, was out of the lineup Wednesday for the first time this season as manager Clint Hurdle looked for a way to get some consistent at-bats for Jeff Baker, who went 1-for-3 and is in a 2-for-33 slump. After playing left field against the Cardinals, Baker is expected to start at first base tonight against the Giants and left-hander Noah Lowry. It will be the third time Todd Helton hasn't been in the lineup.

"It's a big challenge," Hurdle said of being a bench player. "You come out of spring training (having played a lot) and have to adjust. I know the feeling. One year I had (82) at-bats and didn't spend a day on the disabled list."

NUMBERS GAME

188 pitches thrown by six Rockies pitchers Wednesday, including 43 by starter Jason Hirsh in the second inning, when he gave up two runs and stranded the bases loaded. Hirsh threw 106 pitches despite retiring only 12 batters. He walked a career-high six.

READY TO RUN

Center fielder Willy Taveras is expected to return to the lineup tonight. Taveras missed the three games in St. Louis with a strained groin.

"He had a workout and should be good to go," Hurdle said. "He brings a (speed) dynamic to the game."

HE SAID IT

"Our command (of pitches) has slowly eroded. We are not a big strikeout staff, but our walks are accelerating to the point it's not acceptable. We get ahead quick but are not able to put hitters away quickly."

Hurdle, on his pitching staff.