In the first of a three-game series between the Colorado Rockies (48-68) and the Washington Nationals (58-59) at Coors Field, David Hale (3-4, 5.69 ERA) and Jordan Zimmermann (8-8, 3.34 ERA) take the mound. The Nationals go into this series on a six-game losing streak. The game gets underway at 8:40 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 18 and will air on RTRM and MAS2.
In his most recent outing, Hale pitched 1.2 innings, giving up zero runs in a 5-3 victory over the Braves. Carlos Gonzalez (.270, 63 Rs, 27 HRs, 67 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 Sunday with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Nationals were unsuccessful to the Dodgers 3-0 the last time Zimmermann pitched. He went 7.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out nine and walking one.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Rockies have the most prolific home offense in the entire NL, averaging 5.5 runs per game. The Rockies rank third in the NL in hits with 9.2 per game.
They sport the fifth-ranked offense in the NL, averaging four runs per game. Washington has an eye for the strike zone, ranking 3.0 in the NL with fifth walks per game. The last 10 games have really brought the worst out of the Washington pitchers. They allowed 5.1 runs per game during that span, which is higher than their season average of 4.0. They also allow just 2.2 walks per game, best in the NL.
In their previous three games this season, the Rockies have a 2-1 record. The Rockies will take on a right-hander (Zimmermann) in this game and have a 43-50 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Hale will take the mound against the Nationals, who have a 43-47 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Washington is 27-24, while Colorado is 23-27.
Having scored zero runs in their last game, the Nationals are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Rockies have a 3-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rockies are 37-13. The Nationals have a 45-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 16th, Washington sits in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 479 this season. Colorado ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 519.
Ranking 25th, Colorado is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 281 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 355.
The Rockies are 43-36 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Nationals are 42-28 when they hit at least one homer.
