Max Scherzer (12-7, 2.80 ERA), attemping to pick up his 200th strikeout of the season, starts for the Washington Nationals (69-47) as they square off against Jorge De La Rosa (7-7, 5.25 ERA) and the Colorado Rockies (56-62) in the first of a three-game series at Coors Field. Action begins at 8:40 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 15 and can be seen on MASN and RTRM.
De La Rosa pitched 5.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering three runs, striking out one and walking three in a 5-4 defeat to the Rangers. Nolan Arenado (.282, 85 Rs, 30 HRs, 93 RBIs, 2 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 5. Scherzer went 7.0 innings, surrendering two, striking out 10 and walking one in a 3-1 defeat to the Indians in his most recent start. Daniel Murphy (.348, 70 Rs, 22 HRs, 86 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and four RBIs.
Washington takes on Colorado as a -170 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at nine runs. The Rockies have an overall money line of -87 and a record as the underdog of 31-40. Colorado has recorded a disappointing 1-4 record as the underdog over its last 10 games. The Rockies are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 412. Colorado’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 6.6 runs per game, well above its season average of 5.1.
As for their opponent, Washington is coming in with an overall money line of +45 and an impressive record of 58-32 as the favorite. Offensively, they average 4.7 runs per game, which is good for fourth in the NL. The Nationals can change the game with one swing of the bat, ranking fifth in the league with 154 home runs. Washington is excellent at making contact with just 7.6 strikeouts per game, ranking fourth in the NL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Nationals are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.163 for the season.
The Rockies have a 42-42 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Scherzer takes the mound. De La Rosa (LHP) will be on the hill against the Nationals, who have a 16-11 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – WAS, O/U – Over
Notes
Colorado has won 43% (24-32) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Washington has won 62% (29-18) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Nationals are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded three strikeouts. The Rockies have a record of 3-3 when opponents’ pitchers have three strikeouts or less.
When they are outhit, the Rockies are 11-43. The Nationals have a 12-28 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 11th in home runs, Colorado has hit 150 this season. Washington ranks fifth with 154 home runs.
Ranking eighth, Washington is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.57 per game. Colorado ranks in the top five at second with 9.38.
Ranking 10th, Washington is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.760). Colorado ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .795.
When the Nationals allow at least one home run, they are 39-36. When the Rockies allow one or more homers, they have a 28-48 record.
