The Colorado Rockies are coming off a split of a two game stint against the Houston Astros with the last game ending in a a 9th inning walk-off. Now, they’ll be facing another team looking to contend, the Oakland Athletics.
The Oakland Athletics are currently 60-43 placing them in 3rd in the AL West while also being 3rd in the AL Wild Card race. They went from a team being projected at being at or near last place, but the tables have turned. They’re currently on a 5 game winning streak going into Friday’s game against the Rockies. They’re road record is even better with them being 26-9 since May 14th which is the best record in the MLB.
The pitching matchup for game one will be an amazing one to watch. On the mound for the Colorado Rockies will be Kyle Freeland who’s having a great year with his 8-6 record and 3.28 ERA. For the Athletics, they’ll have their ace Sean Manaea on the mound. He’s also having an incredible season, as you may remember him for his no hitter against the Boston Red Sox. He currently has an ERA of 3.38 and 9 wins under his belt.
Brett Anderson and Antonio Senzatela will be facing off in game two. Anderson is not having a good year as his ERA is a bit high at 5.46. He’s been struggling this season, but completed 6 innings in his last start. Senzatela’s last start was a bit concerning as he couldn’t make it to the 6th inning and gave up 4 runs.
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Sunday’s game will feature German Marquez for the Colorado Rockies and Frankie Montas for the A’s. Montas has a 3.54 ERA in 53.1 innings and allowed 4 runs in his last start. Marquez has an ERA of 5.00 and didn’t factor in to the decision of his last start. His home ERA is 7.31, which contributed to the 5 runs he gave up in his last start.
On the offense front, Khris Davis will be one of the A’s the Colorado Rockies will have to look out as he’s hit 6 home runs in his past 5 games. He will probably be in left field during the series since he is usually their DH.
The key to victory for the Colorado Rockies would have to start with the pitching. As long as the A’s don’t score in the early innings the Rockies will be able to dominate during the game.
If Freeland, Senzatela, and Marquez can hold off their seriously good offense and the Rockies can pack a punch while batting they’ll be looking to sweep the Oakland A’s.