Jon Gray (8-6, 4.61 ERA) and Kenta Maeda (13-7, 3.37 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Colorado Rockies (62-68) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (73-57) at Coors Field. Action begins at 8:40 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 29 and can be seen on SNLA and RTRM.
Gray pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out 10 and walking three in a 6-4 defeat to the Brewers. Nolan Arenado (.291, 95 Rs, 35 HRs, 111 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 4 for 4 with one run, one home run, and three RBIs. Maeda went 5.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out four and walking four in a 9-5 win over the Giants in his last outing.
The odds for Colorado and Los Angeles are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. Within its division, Colorado has a record of 24-26 SU. The Rockies have no trouble scoring as they lead the NL in home offense with 6.3 runs per home game. The Rockies are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 459.
The Dodgers are 28-22 against fellow NL West members. Offensively, they average four runs per game on the road, which is fourth in the NL. The Dodgers are tough outs for opponents, ranking fourth in the NL with 9.2 hits per road game. Los Angeles is excellent at making contact with just 8.0 strikeouts per game, ranking fifth in the NL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Dodgers are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.185 for the season. The Dodgers have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 9.2 strikeouts per game.
The Dodgers lead the season series, 7-5. The Rockies have a 47-46 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Maeda takes the mound. Gray (RHP) will be on the hill against the Dodgers, who have a 57-40 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD
Notes
The Dodgers won their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Rockies are 9-17. The Dodgers are 19-18 in close games this season.
When leading after seven innings, Los Angeles is 28-22, while Colorado is 30-37.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Dodgers are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Rockies have a 14-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rockies are 46-15. The Dodgers have a 52-15 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 16th, Los Angeles sits in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 585 this season. Colorado ranks in the top five at second with 686.
Ranking 11th, Colorado is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 417 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 422.
When the Rockies hit at least one home run, they are 49-37. When the Dodgers hit at least one homer, they have a 56-29 record.
