Washington Nationals vs. Colorado Rockies Betting Preview: Rockies look to win home series
- 05/05 3:10 PM ETMLTotalScore953WAS13511100 o7954COL-14511-120 u9
The rubber match between the Washington Nationals (9-17) and Colorado Rockies(14-10) is slated for a 3:10 PM first pitch at Coors Field in Denver. Washington took the first game of the series and Colorado, who’s favored in this game at -140, took the second.
The pitching matchup will feature two righties, Aaron Sanchez (1-1, 6.75 ERA) for Washington and Antonio Senzatela (2-1, 3.66 ERA) for Colorado. Washington is finishing a west coast road trip that saw a series win against San Francisco. Colorado came into this series after a series sweep of Cincinnati.
Key Injuries
Colorado’s free agent addition Kris Bryant is currently on the 10-day IL with back soreness. Washington starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg remains on the 10-day IL, as the club is reported to be taking it slow after neck surgery last year. Washington also has pitchers Joe Ross and Anibal Sanchez on the 60-day IL.
Betting Angles
The total run line is set at 11 and every game that Senzatela has started for Colorado has gone over 11 runs. Of the last 12 games played at Coors Field, seven have been a total of 11 runs or more. Washington has also hit the over in every game against right handed pitching this season. In the past two seasons, Colorado is 30-12 against teams with losing records at home.
Why Washington Can Win
Washington has been far from stellar so far this season but they’ve managed to pick up a couple impressive wins. Offensively, the Nationals rank 10th in the league in batting average and 16th in runs scored. It’s also important to note that Washington ranks seventh in fewest strikeouts this year, while Colorado pitching is second to last in strikeouts so far this year. Juan Soto is one of the top young players in the league and the main source of run production for an anemic Washington offense. In just five seasons, the 23 year old has managed to have the 65th best WAR (Wins Above Replacement) amongst active players. The next youngest players ahead of him are 28, Corey Seager (55th) and Francisco Lindor (30th). Soto will clearly be one of the best players in baseball for the next ten years and the Washington offense will certainly rely on him.
Why Colorado Can Win
Colorado is clearly the better team and are 10-5 in home games to start the year. Even with Bryant out, Colorado has still been productive offensively, led by first baseman C.J. Cron, who’s nine home runs lead the team. Outfielder Randal Grichuk has also been a welcomed addition to the lineup, coming over in a trade with Toronto, as he currently leads the team in average at .315. Colorado certainly has one of the best offenses in the league but it will be up to the pitching to hold whatever lead the offense can get.
