Tyler Matzek (6-11, 4.05 ERA) and Jason Hammel (10-11, 3.47 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Colorado Rockies (3-0) and the Chicago Cubs (1-1) at Coors Field. Action begins at 4:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 10 and can be seen on WGN and ROOT-RM.
Matzek will take the hill after recording 117.2 innings last year, closing out the season with a 6-11 record, 4.05 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 91 strikeouts. Corey Dickerson (.417 ) had a good game Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. Hammel will pitch for the Cubs. Last season he pitched 176.1 innings last season, going 10-11 with a 3.47 ERA 1.12 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts. Starlin Castro (.286 ) went 1 for 3 Wednesday with one run and one RBI.
The odds for Colorado and Chicago are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. The Rockies lead the NL in hits with a phenomenal 12.7 per game. Opposing batters know they’re in for a battle when they play Colorado. The Rockies are one of the top teams when it comes to pitching, allowing just 2.0 runs per game. The Rockies are the fifth-best team in the NL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.0 walks per game so far this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – COL
Notes
Colorado and Chicago both have perfect records of 1-0 when leading after 7 innings.
Chicago ranks near the bottom of the league at 24th when it comes to home runs, hitting zero this season. Colorado ranks in the top five at second with five.
Ranking first in hits, Colorado has earned 12.67 per game this season. Chicago ranks 15th with 3.50 hits.
Ranking 27th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.395). Colorado ranks in the top five at third with an OPS of .921.
