After snapping an ugly seven-game losing streak on Tuesday, the Colorado Rockies turned around and put a heavy beating on these same Washington Nationals yesterday in a 13-1 blowout. Colorado has still dropped 13 of its last 20 overall, but the offense showed some teeth in that win, racking up 15 hits and launching four home runs – including a grand slam from Connor Norby. They will look to keep the bats hot when first pitch gets underway today at 11:05 a.m. MT.

While the Nationals hold a slightly better season record, they are currently limping through a miserable stretch, having lost eight of their last 10 contests and matching Colorado by dropping 13 of their last 20 overall. They looked entirely outclassed in yesterday’s lopsided affair, scraping together just seven hits and a lone run while their pitching staff got shelled.

To secure the series win today, the Rockies need to maintain that aggressive approach at the plate. The path is straightforward: put immediate pressure on a reeling Nationals rotation, stack some crooked numbers early, and force Washington to play from behind.

The Breakdown

Today’s pitching matchup features Gabriel Hughes taking the mound for the Rockies against Jake Irvin for the Nationals. If you are looking for length from your starters… look elsewhere. Hughes is averaging a paltry 4.96 innings per start over his recent 42.2-inning stretch, pitching to a 6.54 ERA alongside those abbreviated outings. Irvin sits same boat for Washington. He has also struggled to pitch deep, averaging just 4.77 innings per start across his recent 47.2 innings of work while posting a 6.42 ERA. Short starts mean taxed bullpens, and both units – Colorado holding a 4.83 ERA and Washington at a 4.90 ERA over their last 10 games – will likely see action early this afternoon.

The X-factor in this matchup is the stark contrast in offensive form. While both starting pitchers have looked vulnerable, the Rockies’ bats are suddenly swinging with serious purpose. Colorado is averaging a robust 5.30 runs per game and has launched 13 home runs over their last 10 contests. On the other side, Washington’s offense has gone completely dormant. Across their last 10 outings, the Nationals are plating just 3.00 runs per game and struggling to a dismal .195 team batting average.

For Colorado to win, Hughes needs to attack this slumping Washington lineup from the first pitch, locate his fastballs, and try to push past the fifth inning. Give the relievers a fighting chance. Offensively, the Rockies must sustain the exact same aggressive plate discipline that fueled yesterday’s surge. If they get to Irvin early, they have a clear path to stacking back-to-back road wins.

Odds & Lines

  • Moneyline: Washington Nationals -121 / Colorado Rockies +109
  • Run Line: Washington Nationals -1.5 (+163) / Colorado Rockies +1.5 (-197)
  • Over/Under: 9.5 (Over -106 / Under -113)

Our Pick

Trusting either of these squads right now requires a bit of nerve given their recent turbulent stretches, but the Rockies hold a distinct, undeniable edge at the plate today. Washington’s bats have completely disappeared. They are hitting a collective .195 and pushing across just three runs per game over their last 10 outings. With both Hughes and Irvin struggling to survive five innings lately, this one will almost certainly come down to middle relief and run support.

Since both bullpens are prone to giving up runs, the team that is actually manufacturing offense gets the nod. Colorado is swinging the bat with clear confidence right now, making them a highly appealing underdog value this afternoon. BetMGM is showing the line at +109 for the Rockies on the moneyline. If you are tailing this play, grab a BetMGM promo code to take advantage of their current offer for new users.

Pick: Colorado Rockies ML (+109)

Player Prop Pick

When hunting for a clear edge in the prop market this afternoon, Hunter Goodman stands out as an obvious target.

The Rockies slugger has a proven, highly favorable track record against Nationals starter Jake Irvin. In 16 career plate appearances against the Washington right-hander, Goodman has recorded four hits, and two of them have left the yard. Irvin has also been noticeably vulnerable to right-handed batters this season, allowing a concerning .827 OPS compared to a much lower .734 mark against lefties. Platoon advantage. Check.

Goodman’s recent form backs up the investment. He homered in his first two games back in the lineup, including a two-run shot in yesterday’s blowout. He is averaging 3.0 total bases per contest over his recent four-game road stretch. DraftKings currently has the line set at 1.5 total bases at +104 odds. With his history against Irvin and his bat heating up, Goodman is in a prime spot to produce today. Keep up with the latest Rockies news and analysis all season long.

Pick: Hunter Goodman Over 1.5 Total Bases (+104)

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Sportradar Content Studio contributed to this story.