Today's Matchup - April 7, 2011

Don't underestimate these Pirates.

The same team that hasn't had a winning season in almost 20 years returns in 2011 with former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle at the helm.

Esmil Rogers, who won the fifth spot in the rotation coming out of spring training, will take the hill for the Rockies in the Pirates' home opener.

The Rockies will face an early road test against the Bucs as Hurdle has Pittsburgh off to a 4-2 start, and Colorado has traditionally not hit well on the road. First-year hitting coach Carney Lansford has stressed this during the offseason, and has continued to work with his hitters to right the ship.

Ian Stewart and Seth Smith will again get a day off, as Maholm is a left-handed pitcher. The benching of both Stewart and Smith suggest a platoon at 3rd with Ty Wigginton and right field with Ryan Spilborghs.

Esmil Rogers (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Paul Maholm (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Today's Lineups

Colorado Rockies

Dexter Fowler, CF

Ryan Spilborghs, RF

Carlos Gonzalez, LF

Troy Tulowitzki, SS

Jose Lopez, 2B

Todd Helton, 1B

Ty Wigginton, 3B

Chris Iannetta, C

Esmil Rogers, P

Pittsburgh Pirates

Jose Tabata, LF

Neil Walker, 2B

Andrew McCutchen, CF

Lyle Overbay, 1B

Pedro Alvarez, 3B

Ryan Doumit, C

Garrett Jones, RF

Ronny Cedeno, SS

Paul Maholm, P

First pitch is set for 11:35am Mountain time. The game can be seen on ROOT Sports in both the Colorado and Pittsburgh markets, and heard on 850KOA radio in Denver.