Jordan Zimmermann (8-7, 3.54 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (56-51) go up against Jorge De La Rosa (7-4, 4.87 ERA) and the Colorado Rockies (45-61) in the first of a three-game series at Nationals Park. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 7 and will air on RTRM and MASN.
In his most recent outing, Zimmermann pitched 6.0 innings, allowing five runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 5-2 loss to the Mets. Bryce Harper (.334, 72 Rs, 29 HRs, 68 RBIs, 4 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 2 with two runs. The Rockies were victorious the last time De La Rosa pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 6.2 innings, giving up two runs and striking out four in a 6-2 victory over the Cardinals. Carlos Gonzalez (.279, 55 Rs, 22 HRs, 56 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 5 Wednesday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
Washington, a -167 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Colorado. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is seven runs. When playing as the favorite, the Nationals have a 43-32 record and overall money line at -552. The Nationals have one of the most prolific offenses in the entire NL, averaging 4.1 runs per game. Transitioning to the pitching staff, the Nationals are the best in the NL in walks allowed, giving up just 2.2 per game.
On the other side, the Rockies have a record of 32-44 when they are the underdog and are -1,162 overall with the money line. They sport the top-ranked offense in the NL, averaging 4.6 runs per game.
The Nationals will take on a left-hander (De La Rosa) in this game. They have done very well against left-handed starting pitchers this season (14-8), especially at home where they have a 8-3 record. Taking the hill against the Rockies will be the right-hander Zimmermann. They sport a 40-44 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Rockies have a 20-40 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Rockies are 6-42. The Nationals have a 9-44 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 12th in home runs, Washington has hit 107 this season. Colorado ranks seventh with 122 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Washington is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.36 per game. Colorado ranks in the top five at second with 9.42.
Ranking 15th, Washington is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.710). Colorado ranks in the top five at third with an OPS of .769.
When the Rockies allow at least one home run, they are 23-48. When the Nationals allow one or more homers, they have a 21-31 record.
