The Colorado Rockies (29-43) are in for a challenge against Bryce Elder at Truist Park on Saturday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Atlanta Braves (44-26).
The Braves lead the series 2-0 after winning 8-1 on Friday, their fourth straight head-to-head victory. Jared Shuster went 5.2 innings, giving up one run on five hits, to get the win.
Travis d’Arnaud went 2 for 4 with two home runs and four RBIs in the win. Eddie Rosario added a home run and two RBIs. Jurickson Profar was 1 for 4 with a double and one run for the Rockies.
ON THE MOUND
Connor Seabold (1-2, 4.70 ERA) is slated to start for Colorado. The right-hander allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 4-3 home win over the Red Sox on Monday.
He gave up six hits while striking out six and walking one in the no-decision. RHP Elder (4-1, 2.69 ERA) gets the ball for Atlanta. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rockies.
In his last start on Sunday, Elder took the loss at home against the Nationals. He threw 5.1 innings and gave up five runs on eight hits, striking out one and walking one in the 6-2 defeat. The righty ranks third in the NL in ERA.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Colorado has averaged 3.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.4. Against right-handed pitchers like Elder this season, the Rockies have a .743 OPS. Ryan McMahon is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .897 OPS in 175 at-bats.
Atlanta is averaging 7.4 runs per game in the last five, up from 5.3 for the season, with a better slash line (.285/.366/.509). The Braves have a .769 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the fifth highest in the league. With a .961 OPS over 214 at-bats, Ronald Acuna Jr. has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Colorado is on a three-game losing streak away from Coors Field, bringing their record to 13-24 in 2023. The Rockies have scored 3.7 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.8 runs.
Atlanta has gone 22-15 at home this season, averaging 5.2 runs per game while surrendering 4.7. In the last 10 games at Truist Park between the teams, each club has won five, though Atlanta has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.7-4.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rockies are fifth in the NL West, 14 games behind the division-leading Diamondbacks. The Braves lead the NL East by five games over the Marlins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Atlanta Braves -2.5 (-105)
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