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Nationals vs Rockies Prediction, Preview, Stream, Odds and Picks April 8
Rockies Hoping To Bounce Back And Take Series Lead
It would be considerable MLB news if either the Colorado Rockies or Washington Nationals made the playoffs. Neither team was projected to do so, and, in fact, the Nationals were the biggest longshots at making the postseason.
Nationals Taking Different Approach Towards Offense
The Washington Nationals are last in the league with an average of 0.51 home runs per game and are 27th in scoring 3.42 runs per game. But they showed Friday how they can score bunches of runs: Getting guys on base (ninth with a .264 batting average) and playing station to station with speed mixed in.
The Nationals will need that, as most MLB lines will be against them this year due to their lack of power and pitching. The new MLB rules will help them with the speed element and poking singles through without shifts. But the pitching also has to improve, as they are 24th in allowing 5.58 runs per game, which includes 1.77 home runs per game.
They turn to Trevor Williams, who allowed four runs (three earned) in six innings in his first start, which included two home runs. So far, the over is 4-3-1 in Nationals games.
Rockies Need To Win For Impressive Start
The Colorado Rockies are longshots for MLB playoff odds, but the hope is still there, and their offense is talented enough to get it done. The Rockies are 24th, though, in scoring 3.71 runs per game.
While they are 16th with a .248 batting average, they are 21st with a .683 OPS and 25th with striking out 10.2 times per game.
The Rockies turn to southpaw Austin Gomber, who allowed three runs on four hits – two home runs – in six innings in his first start. He hopes to help shore up a pitching staff that is 23rd in allowing 5.56 runs per game, 25th with an opposing batting average of .277, 28th with an opposing OPS of .834, and 26th in striking out 7.41 opponents per game.
They are 4-4 facing over/unders this season.
Nationals vs Rockies Game Injuries
Nationals vs Rockies Head-to-Head
Scores and odds show the Colorado Rockies hold the series lead all time. They have won 123 games, while the Washington Nationals have 96 wins in 219 regular season contests.
So far, they have split the first two games of the series. The Rockies won 1-0 on Thursday, while the Nationals responded with a 10-5 win on Friday.
Over the last seven meetings, the over is 5-2, and the over is 13-6 in the last 19 meetings at Coors Field. Colorado is 5-2 in its last seven games against Washington at Coors Field.
Nationals vs Rockies Game Information
- Game: Nationals (2-6) vs Rockies (3-5)
- Location: Coors Field
- Day/Time: Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET
- Nationals vs Rockies Live Stream: MLB TV
Nationals vs Rockies Betting Lines
Nationals vs Rockies Picks and Prediction
Early MLB picks show 77% of public bets are on the Colorado Rockies to win outright, and another 74% are on the over. Of course, it makes sense to bet favorites early in the year, but the Washington Nationals did just explode for ten runs the day prior.
It was the third time the Rockies allowed at least eight runs but twice came with Jose Urena on the mound. The Nationals are 2-1 when they score at least four runs but also have a 10-6 loss. Each team has similar issues with little production from their offenses, and their pitching staffs are performing fairly OK.
On paper, the Rockies have a better offense, which is probably why the sportsbook favors them. Kris Bryant looks healthy and is off to a great start, while C.J. Cron and Ryan McMahon provide some pop.
For that reason, we like the Rockies to pick up their fourth win behind an arm they just gave an extension to and stay in the early playoff hunt.
