In a game that has the potential for a lot of runs, Eddie Butler (3-8, 5.45 ERA) and the Colorado Rockies (46-61) are in Washington to square off against Stephen Strasburg (5-5, 5.16 ERA) and the Nationals (56-52). This is the second of a three-game series at Nationals Park. The Rockies won the last game 5-4 and Colorado leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 8 and can be seen on RTRM and MASN.
Strasburg pitched 3.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs, striking out three and walking two in a 9-3 defeat to the Giants. Bryce Harper (.334, 74 Rs, 29 HRs, 69 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with two runs and one RBI. Butler went 4.0 innings, surrendering seven runs, striking out two and walking one in an 8-7 defeat to the Mariners in his most recent start. Nolan Arenado (.277, 63 Rs, 26 HRs, 80 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Rockies, going 3 for 4 yesterday with two runs.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Washington, a big -182 favorite, takes on Colorado. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of eight runs. The Nationals have an overall money line of -633 and a record as the favorite of 44-33. The Nationals have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the NL in offense with 4.2 runs per game. Turning to the pitchers, the Nationals are the top team in the NL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.2 walks per game so far this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Colorado has a 33-44 record and an overall money line of -991. Offensively, they average 4.6 runs per game, which is tops in the NL. The Rockies are tough outs for opponents, leading the NL with 9.4 hits per game.
The Rockies have the edge in the season series, 1-0. The Nationals have a 14-9 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Butler takes the mound. Strasburg (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rockies, who have a 41-44 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was, O/U – Over
Notes
Colorado has won 48% (22-24) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Washington has won 54% (26-22) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Rockies managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Nationals who are heading in with a 10-5 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rockies are 35-12. The Nationals have a 43-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 16th in runs, Washington has earned 449 this season. Colorado ranks fourth with 492 runs.
Ranking 25th, Colorado is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 266 this season. Washington ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 333.
When the Nationals hit at least one home run, they are 41-24. When the Rockies hit at least one homer, they have a 41-32 record.
