In a game that could be a shootout, Chris Rusin (3-2, 4.69 ERA) and the Colorado Rockies (34-44) are in Arizona to take on Jeremy Hellickson (5-5, 5.38 ERA) and the Diamondbacks (37-41). This is the first of a four-game series at Chase Field. Action begins at 9:40 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jul. 2 and can be seen on ROOT-RM and FSN-AZ.
Hellickson pitched 5.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering seven runs, striking out eight and walking one in a 7-2 defeat to the Padres. A.J. Pollock (.300, 50 Rs, 9 HRs, 35 RBIs, 16 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 3 for 4 with one run. Rusin is 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA against the Diamondbacks in his career. He is up against a good Arizona offense that’s batting .261. Troy Tulowitzki (.320, 40 Rs, 8 HRs, 41 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Arizona is a -137 favorite against Colorado and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at nine runs. The Diamondbacks have an overall money line of +49 and a record as the favorite of 12-13. Arizona has gone winless in its last 10 as the favorite. The Diamondbacks have no trouble scoring as they lead the NL in offense with 4.5 runs per game. The Diamondbacks are one of the best in the NL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.1 per game. Arizona is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 72 bases. Arizona’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 6.0 runs per game, well above its season average of 4.6.
In games where it is the underdog, Colorado has a 27-30 record and an overall money line of -629. They have played poorly as the underdog with a 14-17 record against NL West opponents, and a 5-5 record SU. Offensively, they average 4.5 runs per game, which is good for second in the NL. The Rockies are tough outs for opponents, ranking second in the NL with 9.2 hits per game. The Rockies allow 5.1 runs per game, but does worse whenever another team from the NL West Division is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average up to 6.0 against division foes.
The Diamondbacks lead the season series, 5-3. The Diamondbacks have an 8-10 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Rusin takes the mound. Hellickson (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rockies, who have a 31-33 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – ARI, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Arizona is 13-10, while Colorado is 16-18.
The Diamondbacks managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rockies who are coming in with an 8-12 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Rockies are 5-32. The Diamondbacks have a 9-27 record when opponents outhit them.
Arizona ranks in the top half of the league at 13th when it comes to home runs, hitting 73 this season. Colorado ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 88.
Arizona and Colorado both rank in the top five of the league in hits. Arizona sits at third with 9.12 hits per game and Colorado ranks second with 9.21.
Ranking 12th, Arizona is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.721). Colorado ranks in the top five at fifth with an OPS of .748.
When the Rockies allow at least one home run, they are 15-33, well-matched with the Diamondbacks who are 18-34 when allowing at least one homer.
