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Washington Nationals at Rockies Preview (8/15-8/17)

By Ricky Keeler

Jul 15, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) hits an RBI single as Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski (15) is shown on the play in the third inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) hits an RBI single as Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski (15) is shown on the play in the third inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Aug 9, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws to the Cleveland Indians during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Max Scherzer (12-7, 2.80 ERA) vs. Jorge De La Rosa (7-7, 5.25) – 8:40 p.m ET, broadcast on MASN

After Tanner Roark got his 13th win yesterday, tonight will be Scherzer’s second chance at win number 13. He had a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Indians on August 9 and still took the loss. He went seven innings, gave up one earned run on three hits, struck out ten, and walked one on 108 pitches in a loss.

For Scherzer, it was the first time he lost an outing in his last six starts (July 4 against the Brewers). Despite the bad outcome, Scherzer still has a 2.00 ERA and has struck out 44 batters in his last five starts since the All-Star Break. Plus, he has given up more than two earned runs in a game once in his last eight starts.

Scherzer has not had some great moments against the Rockies. He is 1-4 with a 4.35 ERA in seven career starts (0-3, 5.32 at Coors Field). Carlos Gonzalez is 3-for-10 against him with three solo home runs.

As for De La Rosa, he has had a good season as evident by his 5.25 ERA. Against the Rangers on August 10, he went five innings, gave up three runs on seven hits, struck out one, and walked three in a no-decision. He is 1-0 in his last four starts and has given up seven runs in that span.

When you talk about De La Rosa, he is not a pitcher that is going to have high strikeout totals. He has had no higher than six strikeouts in any starts since April this season. Right now, De La Rosa’s ERA would be the second highest he’s had in any season where he’s made 20+ starts since he was with the Royals in 2007.

In ten starts against the Washington Nationals, De La Rosa is 5-2 with a 3.71 ERA and has given up four runs in his last three starts against them. Jayson Werth is 5-for-17 against him with a home run and four RBI’s.

Prediction: While the trends would indicate a win for the Rockies tonight, both teams are coming in on different levels of confidence after Colorado was swept in Philadelphia. Scherzer has struggled at Coors Field and the Rockies lineup can hit the ball out of the park, but he’s on a good roll right now that I like the Washington Nationals to win the series opener.

Next: Tomorrow's Matchup

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