Chad Bettis (2-0, 3.33 ERA) and the Colorado Rockies (9-9) meet Jeff Locke (0-2, 7.24 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (10-9) in the first of a four-game series at Coors Field. The game gets underway at 8:40 p.m. ET on Monday, Apr. 25 and will air on RTPT and RTRM.
In his last start, Bettis pitched 6.0 innings, allowing three runs and striking out five in a 6-5 loss to the Reds. The Pirates were also unsuccessful the last time Locke pitched. He did not do well, pitching 3.0 innings, giving up eight runs, striking out two and walking four in an 8-2 loss to the Padres. Gregory Polanco (.313, 12 Rs, 1 HR, 11 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Pirates, going 3 for 6 yesterday with two RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Rockies have one of the most prolific offenses in the entire NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. The Rockies are an exceptional hitting team with 10.0 hits per home game, one of the highest marks in the NL. The most recent 10 game stretch for Colorado’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Colorado’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
They sport the fourth-ranked offense in the NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. Pittsburgh is the top hitting team in the league, converting .294 of their at-bats for hits. The Pirates have racked up 13 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
Predictions: SU Winner – COL
Notes
The Rockies are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded six strikeouts. The Pirates have a record of 5-3 when opponents’ pitchers have six strikeouts or less.
When they are outhit, the Rockies are 0-8. The Pirates have a 1-6 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 28th in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 11 this season. Colorado ranks second with 28 home runs.
Ranking first in hits, Pittsburgh has earned 10.37 per game this season. Colorado ranks eighth with 9.06 hits.
Colorado and Pittsburgh both rank in the top 10 of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Colorado sits at seventh with an OPS of .810, and Pittsburgh ranks sixth with an OPS of .811.
The Pirates are 6-9 when they allow at least one home run. The Rockies perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 5-8 record.
