Max Scherzer (11-8, 2.31 ERA) and Yohan Flande (2-1, 3.54 ERA) take the hill in the last of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (57-52) and the Colorado Rockies (46-62) at Nationals Park. The Nationals won the last game 6-1 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 9 and can be seen on RTRM and MASN.
Scherzer pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering three runs, striking out nine and walking three in a 5-4 defeat to the Diamondbacks. Bryce Harper (.337, 76 Rs, 29 HRs, 69 RBIs, 4 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 3 with two runs. Flande went 1.0 innings, surrendering zero runs and walking one in a 7-5 win over the Mariners in his most recent start. Nolan Arenado (.278, 64 Rs, 27 HRs, 81 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Washington, a big -242 favorite, takes on Colorado. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of seven runs. The Nationals have an overall money line of -633 and a record as the favorite of 44-33. The Nationals have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the NL in offense with 4.2 runs per game. Washington is one of the best in the NL in terms of walks, earning an average of 3.1 per game. As for the pitchers, the Nationals are the top team in the NL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.2 walks per game so far this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Colorado has a 33-44 record and an overall money line of -991. Offensively, they average 4.6 runs per game, which is tops in the NL. The Rockies are tough outs for opponents, leading the NL with 9.4 hits per game.
The Nationals have a 14-9 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Flande takes the mound. Scherzer (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rockies, who have a 41-44 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Rockies have a 3-8 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they are outhit, the Rockies are 6-43. The Nationals have a 9-45 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 12th in home runs, Washington has hit 107 this season. Colorado ranks seventh with 124 home runs.
Ranking first in hits, Colorado has earned 9.41 per game this season. Washington ranks 12th with 8.34 hits.
Ranking 16th, Washington is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.711). Colorado ranks in the top five at third with an OPS of .765.
The Rockies are 23-48 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Nationals are 22-32 when they allow at least one homer.
