Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 18th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The Diamondbacks are striving to make a comeback to the playoffs, but their efforts have hit a snag in Denver this week. Arizona has lost the first two games of a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies, making the National League wild-card race even tighter.

In the series finale, the Diamondbacks will attempt to turn things around as Eduardo Rodriguez (2-3, 5.50 ERA) takes the mound against the Rockies' Austin Gomber (5-10, 4.44) on Wednesday afternoon.

Tuesday night's 8-2 victory for the Rockies has caused Arizona (83-68) to fall into a tie with the New York Mets (83-68) for the second NL wild card spot. Both teams are now two games ahead of the Atlanta Braves (81-70).

This win was also a milestone for Rockies manager Bud Black, marking his 535th win with the team and surpassing Clint Hurdle for the franchise record.

Rodriguez, who began the season on the injured list due to a left shoulder strain, will be making his eighth start of the year. He was signed by the Diamondbacks last winter, but didn't make his season debut until August 7th against the Cleveland Indians.

Although he won two of his first four starts, Rodriguez has since lost his last three games, including his most recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. In that game, he allowed two runs on five hits in five innings, with three strikeouts and seven walks.

In his career, Rodriguez has made three starts against the Rockies and has a record of 1-0 with a 6.19 ERA. He received a no-decision in his last start against them on August 13th, giving up three runs in five innings.

The only time Rodriguez has faced the Rockies at Coors Field was in 2019 when he was playing for the Boston Red Sox. He earned the win in that game, allowing three runs in five innings.

Despite scoring 52 runs in their last six games, the Diamondbacks have struggled to produce runs in Denver, where the thin air usually favors batters. In the first two games of the series, they have only managed to score two runs in each game.

Manager Torey Lovullo expressed his desire for his team to have a more patient approach at the plate, as that is one of their strengths.

However, runs may be hard to come by against Gomber, who has an impressive 1.93 ERA in two starts this month. He has also gone at least six innings in his last six outings, including a win against the Braves on September 5th, where he tied his career high by pitching eight innings.

Gomber is not known for his high strikeout numbers, averaging only four per start. Instead, he relies on his defense to help him go deep into games.

Manager Bud Black commented on Gomber's unique style, stating that while most pitchers in the league have high velocity and strong secondary pitches, Gomber's style is different but still effective.

In his career, Gomber has faced the Diamondbacks 13 times, with a record of 3-0 and a 5.04 ERA. He has made three starts against them this year, with an 0-0 record and a 4.32 ERA. His last start against Arizona was on August 13th, where he received a no-decision in a 4-3 loss, allowing two runs on six hits in six innings.

PREDICTION

Arizona Diamondbacks

7

4

Colorado Rockies

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies Recap SEP 18TH 2024