(Best E Casino) - Jeff Francis returns from the disabled list this evening when the Colorado Rockies continue their four-game series with the Washington Nationals at Coors Field.

Francis hasn't pitched since June 28 because of left shoulder inflammation. However, the lefty has been nowhere near the pitcher that won 17 games a year ago for the NL Champion Rockies, as he is just 3-7 with a 5.67 earned run average.

In three starts in his career against the Nats, Francis is 1-0 with a 5.29.

The Nationals will counter with lefty veteran Odalis Perez, who is 4-8 with a 4.16 ERA. Perez won for the second time in three starts on Friday against Cincinnati, as he allowed a run and three hits in 7 1/3 frames.

Perez is 6-7 lifetime against the Rockies with a 3.87 ERA in 18 games, 17 of which have been starts.

Washington had its four-game winning streak stopped on Tuesday, as Ian Stewart and Brad Hawpe knocked in two runs apiece to help Colorado rally for an 8-2 win. Matt Holliday added two hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Rockies, who have won three of five.

Manny Corpas (2-3) allowed two hits in a scoreless eighth to earn the win. Starter Jorge De La Rosa was solid, going seven innings and yielding six hits and two runs.

Jesus Flores knocked in a run for the Nationals, while Luis Ayala (1-7) was saddled with the loss.

Washington has now dropped 17 of its last 21 away from home.

Colorado has won seven of eight over the Nationals at home and took the season series between the two clubs, 4-3, last year after winning all three tests at Coors.