Jimmy Nelson (6-13, 4.31 ERA) and Chad Bettis (10-6, 5.29 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Milwaukee Brewers (53-70) and the Colorado Rockies (60-64) at Miller Park. Action begins at 7:20 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 22 and can be seen on FSWI and RTRM.
Nelson pitched 5.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering six runs, striking out four and walking two in a 6-1 defeat to the Cubs. Ryan Braun (.318, 62 Rs, 22 HRs, 70 RBIs, 13 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with two RBIs. Bettis went 3.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out one and walking one in a 6-2 win over the Nationals in his most recent start. Nolan Arenado (.280, 90 Rs, 32 HRs, 104 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 4 for 5 yesterday with two runs, two home runs, and six RBIs.
Milwaukee is a slim -115 favorite at home against Colorado. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of nine runs. The Brewers have an overall money line of -998 and a record as the favorite of 19-17. Milwaukee leads the MLB in steals, swiping 137 bases. Milwaukee’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 6.5 runs per game, well above its season average of 4.8.
In games where it is the underdog, Colorado has a 35-43 record and an overall money line of +146. Offensively, they average 5.3 runs per game, which the best in the NL. The Rockies are tough outs for opponents, ranking second in the NL with 9.4 hits per game. The Rockies allow 5.2 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 6.8 runs per game during that span. When it comes to preventing batters from getting hits, the Rockies are fifth in the NL on the road with an average of 8.0 hits allowed per away game.
The Brewers have a bad 30-54 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Bettis takes the mound. Nelson (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rockies, who have a 45-43 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – COL, O/U – Over
Notes
The Brewers are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Rockies have an 8-11 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 9-58. The Rockies have a 13-44 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 19th in home runs, Milwaukee has hit 138 this season. Colorado ranks 11th with 158 home runs.
Ranking 13th, Milwaukee is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.11 per game. Colorado ranks in the top five at second with 9.40.
Ranking 20th, Milwaukee is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.730). Colorado ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .799.
When the Rockies allow at least one home run, they are 31-50, well-matched with the Brewers who are 32-53 when allowing at least one homer.
