District On Deck
FanSided

Washington Nationals vs. Rockies Series Preview (8/26-8/28)

By Ricky Keeler

Jul 30, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu (9) hits an RBI sacrifice fly against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citi Field. The Rockies won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu (9) hits an RBI sacrifice fly against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citi Field. The Rockies won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Washington Nationals
Aug 16, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chad Bettis (35) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Chad Bettis (10-7, 5.29) vs. TBA – 1:35 p.m, MASN2

In his last start against the Brewers on August 22, Bettis lost for the first time since July 2. He had a rough outing in terms of command as he went five innings, gave up three runs on four hits, struck out three, and walked seven on 111 pitches.

Bettis has struggled with his command since the All-Star Break. In eight starts, he has walked 24 batters, which is one fewer than his first half walk total (18 starts). Like De La Rosa, the 27-year-old right-hander had bad numbers away from Coors Field (5.21 ERA in 15 starts).

More from District on Deck

Back on August 21, Bettis faced the Nats and went only three innings because of the rain delay. He gave up two runs on two hits in a no-decision. Anthony Rendon is 2-for-4 against him with a pair of doubles and two RBI’s.

With Reynaldo Lopez now at triple-A , that means Lucas Giolito (0-0, 4.91 ERA) is more than likely going to be back in the Major League rotation. Giolito hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since July 24 and he has never gone past four innings in any of his three starts.

Next: Scherzer Dominant In Win Over Orioles

Over his last six starts in the minors, Giolito is 1-2 with a 2.76 ERA and has 35 strikeouts. This includes having ten in one outing back on August 17 against Toledo. But, the one thing I’m most impressed with about his recent outings is that he only has nine walks in those six games.

Prediction: This is the one game I think the Rockies win in this series because of their offense. Right now, I need to see Giolito go more than four innings against a great offense before I can pick him to win a game. Colorado gives Bettis enough runs to salvage a win in this series against the Washington Nationals.

Home/Nationals News