Lucas Giolito (0-0, 4.91 ERA) and Chad Bettis (10-7, 5.29 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals (75-54) and the Colorado Rockies (61-68) at Nationals Park. The Rockies won the last game 9-4, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 28 and can be seen on MAS2 and RTRM.
Giolito pitched 3.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering four runs (two unearned) and walking three in a 10-6 defeat to the Padres. Daniel Murphy (.346, 80 Rs, 25 HRs, 98 RBIs, 3 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run. Bettis went 5.0 innings, surrendering four runs (one unearned), striking out three and walking seven in a 4-2 defeat to the Brewers in his most recent start. Nolan Arenado (.285, 94 Rs, 34 HRs, 108 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Washington, a substantial -185 favorite, takes on Colorado. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently nine runs. Though the Nationals have had a tough season in terms of their overall money line (-240), they have done fairly well as a favorite with a record of 65-37. The Nationals have no trouble scoring as they rank fourth in the NL in offense with 4.9 runs per game. Washington’s batters do not strike out very often, with only 7.6 per game. As for the Washington defense and pitching staff, it’s been a struggle for opposing teams to score runs against the Nationals. The 3.6 runs that Washington’s pitchers allow per home game makes them the third-ranked NL staff at home. The Nationals are the third-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.190 so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Nationals, who lead the NL in strikeouts per home game with 9.8.
In games where it is the underdog, Colorado has a 36-45 record and an overall money line of -134. The Rockies have a dynamic offense, ranking second in the league with 454 extra base hits.
The Rockies lead the season series, 3-2. The Nationals have a 58-41 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Bettis takes the mound. Giolito (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rockies, who have a 46-46 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS, O/U – Over
Notes
Colorado has won 44% (29-37) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Washington has won 58% (32-23) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Rockies are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 16 strikeouts. The Nationals have a record of 0-3 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rockies are 45-15. The Nationals have a 56-14 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking seventh in runs, Washington has earned 628 this season. Colorado ranks second with 681 runs.
Ranking 11th, Colorado is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 415 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 446.
The Nationals are 59-30 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Rockies are 48-37 when they hit at least one homer.
