Rockies vs. Nationals Prediction
The Washington Nationals continue to struggle following a 4-0 start. They’ll look to get on the right track tonight when they host the Colorado Rockies at 7:05 but is Tanner Roark the right guy to get them out of their funk?
Game Snapshot & Odds
955 Colorado Rockies at 956 Washington Nationals
Friday, April 13, 2018
7:05 p.m. ET, Nationals Park
TV: ATTR (COL); MSN2 (WSH)
Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook YouWager currently list the Nationals as a -175 favorite. As of this writing, 66% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Nationals to beat the Rockies on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Freeland struggling to keep the ball in the yard for Rockies
Kyle Freeland allowed three runs on seven hits over six innings in a loss to the Braves last Sunday. He did give up two home runs to run his season total to four, which is an issue. Because of his issues with the long ball, he’s 0-2 with a 5.56 ERA through his first two starts. With the Nationals awaiting him tonight in D.C., Freeland could continue to have problems with home runs.
Meanwhile, DJ LeMahieu is hot. He collected four extra-base hits and four RBI in the Rockies’ 5-1 win over the Nationals last night. Of those extra-base hits, two were doubles and two were home runs. With Charlie Blackmon out, LeMahieu has stepped up in the leadoff spot for the Rockies. He’s now slashing .351/.422/.649.
Tanner Roark could be right man to get Nationals to snap out of funk
Roark threw seven innings of one-run ball in Monday’s 6-1 victory over the Braves. Freedie Freeman got to him in the fourth inning with a RBI single but Roark was excellent throughout. He held Atlanta to just four hits, all of them singles, and walked one while striking out six. He threw just 93 pitches over those seven innings so he was extremely efficient.
One injury update: Nationals manager Dave Martinez said on Thursday that he believes Adam Eaton (ankle) will “be back sooner than we think.” Martinez noted, “I saw him today he’s getting his workouts in. And we miss him on the field, but it’s actually pretty good that he’s able to continue to do his strengthening for his knees. But he’ll be back. I think he’ll be back sooner than we think. He’s going really good right now.”
MLB Betting Trends
Colorado
The Rockies are 5-1 in their last six games in Washington.
Washington
The Nationals are just 2-7 in their last nine games overall and have dropped nine of their last 12 home games.
Prediction:
I’m going to back Roark tonight. The Nats are -1 in his last seven starts allowing five runs or more in their previous game, are 19-7 in his last 26 outings when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game, and are 12-5 in his last 17 starts versus National League West opponents. On the other side, the Rockies are just 1-5 in Freeland’s last six starts and have dropped six of their last eight starts following a team loss in their previous game.
MLB Prediction: Washington Nationals -175