Tyler Chatwood (2-2, 3.47 ERA) and the Colorado Rockies (9-12) meet Juan Nicasio (2-2, 4.50 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (13-9) in the last of a four-game series at Coors Field. The Rockies lost the last game 9-8, extending a five-game losing streak. Pittsburgh can finish out the series sweep with a win in this game. The game gets underway at 3:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 28 and will air on RTPT and RTRM.
In his most recent outing, Chatwood pitched 4.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out four and walking two in a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers. Nolan Arenado (.289, 20 Rs, 9 HRs, 20 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 3 for 6 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. The Pirates were also unsuccessful the last time Nicasio pitched. He pitched well, going 5.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out four and walking four in a 7-1 loss to the Diamondbacks. Andrew McCutchen (.247, 16 Rs, 5 HRs, 10 RBIs, 1 SB) has been doing well, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Rockies come into the game with the fourth-ranked scoring offense in the NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. The Rockies have the fourth-top batting average in the league at .272. They have been very patient at the plate during home games, ranking fifth in the NL with an average of 4.1 walks per game. Over their past 10 games, Colorado’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
They sport the third-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 16 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Pittsburgh pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
The previous three games have all gone Pittsburgh’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – COL
Notes
Colorado has won 36% (4-7) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Pittsburgh has won 50% (5-5) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Pirates managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rockies who are heading in with a 4-5 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Rockies are 0-9. The Pirates have a 2-6 record when opponents outhit them.
Pittsburgh ranks near the bottom of the league at 24th when it comes to home runs, hitting 18 this season. Colorado ranks in the top five with 33.
Ranking first in hits, Pittsburgh has earned 10.59 per game this season. Colorado ranks fifth with 9.43 hits.
Ranking sixth, Colorado is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.820). Pittsburgh ranks in the top five with an OPS of .824.
When the Pirates allow at least one home run, they are 8-9. When the Rockies allow one or more homers, they have a 5-11 record.
