In a game that has the potential for a lot of runs, Stephen Strasburg (6-6, 4.62 ERA) and the Washington Nationals (59-59) are in Colorado to square off against Jorge De La Rosa (7-5, 4.75 ERA) and the Rockies (48-69). This is the second of a three-game series at Coors Field. The Nationals won the last game 15-6 and Washington leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 8:40 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 19 and can be seen on RTRM and MAS2.
De La Rosa pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 3-0 defeat to the Mets. Nolan Arenado (.282, 68 Rs, 29 HRs, 87 RBIs, 1 SB) had another good game yesterday, going 3 for 5 with one run and one RBI. Strasburg went 6.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out eight and walking two in a 3-1 defeat to the Giants in his most recent start.
Washington takes on Colorado as a -140 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at 10 runs. The Rockies have an overall money line of -1,373 and a record as the underdog of 34-50. Colorado has recorded a disappointing 2-6 record as the underdog over its last 10 games. The Rockies have no trouble scoring as they lead the NL in home offense with 5.5 runs per home game. The Rockies lead the NL in hits at home with an impressive 10.5 per game.
In games where it is the favorite, Washington has a 45-36 record and an overall money line of -1,355. They played poorly as the favorite over their last 10 games with a 1-4 record, and a 2-8 record SU. Offensively, they average four runs per game on the road, which is fifth in the NL. Washington is excellent at drawing walks with 3.0 per game, ranking fifth in the NL. The Nationals allow 4.0 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 5.1 runs per game during that span. When it comes to issuing walks, the Nationals have the fewest in the NL with only 2.2 walks allowed per game.
The Rockies have a 43-50 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Strasburg takes the mound. De La Rosa (LHP) will be on the hill against the Nationals, who have a 15-12 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
Colorado has won 45% (23-28) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Washington has won 54% (28-24) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Nationals are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Rockies have a 10-30 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rockies are 37-13. The Nationals have a 46-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 15th, Washington sits in the top half of the league in runs, scoring 494 this season. Colorado ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 525.
Ranking 27th, Colorado is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 282 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 365.
When the Rockies hit at least one home run, they are 43-37. When the Nationals hit at least one homer, they have a 43-28 record.
