Eddie Butler (2-2, 4.13 ERA) and Alfredo Simon (1-5, 9.60 ERA) start in the last of a four-game series between the Colorado Rockies (24-28) and the Cincinnati Reds (18-35) at Coors Field. The Reds won the last game 7-2, and Cincinnati leads the series 2-1. Action begins at 8:40 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jun. 2 and can be seen on FSOH and RTRM.
Butler pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering four runs, striking out four and walking one in a 10-5 defeat to the Giants. Nolan Arenado (.286, 37 Rs, 16 HRs, 43 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Simon went 4.0 innings, surrendering three runs (one unearned), striking out one and walking two in a 7-6 win over the Brewers in his last outing. Jay Bruce (.271, 29 Rs, 11 HRs, 34 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds for Colorado and Cincinnati are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Rockies have no trouble scoring as they rank fourth in the NL in offense with 0.0 runs per game. The Rockies are one of the best in the MLB in terms of batting average with an impressive team average of .276. Colorado’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Rockies, who rank fourth in the NL in strikeouts per game with 7.3.
Offensively, the Reds have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Reds allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span. The Reds have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 7.0 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Reds lead the season series, 4-2.
Predictions: SU Winner – COL
Notes
Cincinnati has won 35% (9-17) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Colorado has won 38% (10-16) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Reds are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Rockies have a 7-14 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 13-6. The Rockies have a 19-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st in runs, Cincinnati has earned 217 this season. Colorado ranks fourth with 265 runs.
Colorado and Cincinnati both rank near the bottom of the league in walks. Colorado sits at 22nd with 152 this season and Cincinnati ranks 28th with 123.
The Rockies are 16-13 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Reds are 15-20 when they hit at least one homer.
