In the first of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (74-53) and the Colorado Rockies (60-67) at Nationals Park, Gio Gonzalez (8-9, 4.30 ERA) and Jeff Hoffman (0-1, 13.50 ERA) get the start. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 26 and will air on MAS2 and RTRM.
In his last start, Gonzalez pitched 5.2 innings, allowing four runs (one unearned), striking out eight and walking three in a 7-6 loss to the Braves. Bryce Harper (.251, 68 Rs, 22 HRs, 70 RBIs, 18 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two RBIs. The Rockies were unsuccessful against the Cubs 9-2 the last time Hoffman pitched. He went 4.0 innings, allowing seven runs (one unearned), striking out two and walking one. Trevor Story (.272, 67 Rs, 27 HRs, 72 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 2 Wednesday with one RBI.
Washington is a heavy -180 favorite at home and the Over/Under (O/U) for this matchup is set at nine runs. The Nationals are in an interesting position this season. While they have a notable winning record in games where they’re the favorite (63-36), their overall money line (-275) is less impressive. The Nationals have one of the most prolific offenses in the entire NL, averaging 4.9 runs per game. The Nationals rank fifth in the majors in home runs with 169. Don’t expect the Washington hitters to swing wildly. They average only 7.6 strikeouts per game. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, teams routinely struggle to score runs against the Nationals, who allow only 3.7 runs per home game. The Nationals are second in the league in WHIP at 1.185. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out at Nationals Park, averaging 9.8 strikeouts per home game.
On the other side, the Rockies have a record of 35-44 when they are the underdog and are -189 overall with the money line. The Rockies are known for their bats, hitting 446 extra base hits.
The Rockies are 2-1 against the Nationals this season. This game will feature Hoffman (RHP) on the mound against the Nationals, who have a 56-41 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Rockies will be the left-hander Gonzalez. They sport a 15-21 record against southpaws.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS, O/U – Over
Notes
Colorado has won 44% (28-36) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Washington has won 58% (31-22) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Rockies are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Nationals have a 32-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rockies are 44-15. The Nationals have a 55-14 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking sixth in runs, Washington has earned 616 this season. Colorado ranks second with 667 runs.
Washington and Colorado both rank in the top 10 of the league in walks. Washington sits at sixth with 438 this season and Colorado ranks 10th with 408.
The Nationals are 58-30 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Rockies are 47-36 when they hit at least one homer.
