In the first of a three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies (53-63) and the Colorado Rockies (56-59) at Citizens Bank Park, Jake Thompson (0-1, 12.46 ERA) and Jon Gray (8-5, 4.26 ERA) get the ball. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 12 and will air on CSPh and RTRM.
In his last start, Thompson pitched 4.1 innings, giving up six runs, striking out one and walking two in a 9-7 loss to the Padres. Odubel Herrera (.284, 61 Rs, 12 HRs, 39 RBIs, 18 SBs) went 1 for 1 Wednesday with one run and one stolen base. The Rockies were also unsuccessful the last time Gray pitched. He struggled, going 3.2 innings, allowing eight runs, striking out three and walking one in a 10-7 loss to the Marlins. Trevor Story (.272, 67 Rs, 27 HRs, 72 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one RBI.
Philadelphia, a +131 underdog, will look to capitalize at home against Colorado. The teams combine to set the Over/Under (O/U) at eight runs. The Phillies are 36-50 as the underdog and have an overall money line of +473. Philadelphia has averaged 5.2 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 3.7. Transitioning to the pitching staff, the Phillies are second in the NL in walks allowed at home with just 2.6 per game. An area where the Phillies are particularly strong at home is striking batters out, where they average 9.2 K’s per home game.
Switching to the opposing dugout, the Rockies come into this game with a win percentage of .568 when playing as the favorite (25-19) and an overall money line of +172. The Rockies are the number one overall scoring offense in the NL, averaging 5.2 runs per game so far. The Rockies are known for their bats, hitting 398 extra base hits. Colorado’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking third in the NL with only three runs allowed per road game. They also average just 7.8 hits allowed per road game, fourth-best in the NL.
This game will feature Gray (RHP) on the mound against the Phillies, who have a 40-50 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Rockies will be the right-hander Thompson. They sport a 42-40 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – COL, O/U – Over
Notes
The Phillies are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 11 strikeouts. The Rockies have a record of 7-16 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Phillies are 12-51. The Rockies have an 11-42 record when opponents outhit them.
Philadelphia ranks near the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 115 this season. Colorado ranks in the top half at 11th with 142.
Ranking 14th, Philadelphia is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.03 per game. Colorado ranks in the top five at second with 9.32.
Ranking 29th, Philadelphia is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.683). Colorado ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .791.
When the Rockies allow at least one home run, they are 28-45, well-matched with the Phillies who are 21-49 when allowing at least one homer.
