Julio Teheran (8-6, 4.32 ERA) and Jorge De La Rosa (7-5, 4.50 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Atlanta Braves (53-71) and the Colorado Rockies (49-73) at Turner Field. The Braves come into this series hoping to snap a seven-game losing streak. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 24 and can be seen on RTRM and SPSO.
Teheran pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out seven and walking one in a 3-2 defeat to the Padres. De La Rosa went 6.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out six and walking six in a 4-1 defeat to the Nationals in his last outing. Carlos Gonzalez (.273, 68 Rs, 30 HRs, 71 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Atlanta is a -120 favorite against Colorado and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Braves have an overall money line of -794 and a record as the favorite of 13-10. The Braves are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 295. Atlanta strikes out the least of any team in the NL, with only 6.8 per game. Atlanta’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 5.8 runs per game, well above its season average of 4.5.
In the other locker room, Colorado is coming in with an overall money line of -1,590 and a disappointing record of 35-53 as the underdog. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-6 record, and a 2-8 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 5.4 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 8.0 runs per game during that span.
The Rockies have the edge in the season series, 4-0. The Braves have an 8-13 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when De La Rosa takes the mound. Teheran (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rockies, who have a 44-53 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Col, O/U – Under
Notes
The Braves managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rockies who are coming in with a 5-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Rockies are 6-53. The Braves have a 10-49 record when opponents outhit them.
Atlanta ranks at the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 77 this season. Colorado ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 141.
Ranking ninth, Atlanta is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.54 per game. Colorado ranks in the top five at second with 9.25.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.676). Colorado ranks in the top five at third with an OPS of .759.
When the Rockies allow at least one home run, they are 25-55, well-matched with the Braves who are 20-51 when allowing at least one homer.
