Smoltz, today’s starter for the Braves, knows...

Smoltz, today’s starter for the Braves, knows something about pitching a potential series clincher. He pitched against Colorado and lost in a similar situation in 1995.

“I learned some lessons in the Colorado division series,” Smoltz said. “We were up 2-0 and I lost that one. We’re in a commanding position now and I’d like to finish them off.

“Colorado has the scariest lineup of the teams I’ve faced in the playoffs. Houston is a resilient team, but they don’t scare you like Colorado.”

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Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox doesn’t think the series is over because of the Braves’ 2-0 lead.

“We did it last year against St. Louis [after falling behind 3-1] and we felt confident that we could do it,” Cox said.

“It’s huge, but it can be done.”

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Astro Manager Larry Dierker was still working on his starting lineup, but Cox said he would return to his Game 1 lineup that will have Keith Lockhart batting second and playing second base and Michael Tucker playing right field and batting sixth.

Jeff Blauser, who batted second in Game 2, will bat eighth.