The Arizona Diamondbacks (1-3, 1-3 away) take on the Colorado Rockies (1-3, 1-3 home) in game one of a three-game set between National League West opponents. Both teams were off on Monday for a scheduled off-day and travel day for Arizona. Tuesday night’s first pitch is slated for 8:40 p.m. EST at Coors Field in Denver, CO. Colorado is a home favorite in game one (-120), and the total is set at 11, according to oddsmakers.
What to Know – Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona had a tough four-game opening stretch against the San Diego Padres, losing three of four. The D’Backs got in the win column on Sunday, leaving California with a 3-1 victory in the series finale. Arizona was projected to finish third in the NL West behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and Padres.
Luke Weaver makes his 2021 season debut on the mound for Arizona. The right-hander had a forgetful 2020 season, finishing with a 1-9 record over 12 starts. Weaver collected a 6.58 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and struck out 55 batters over 52.0 innings pitched.
Second baseman Ketel Marte posted a solid start to the season, hitting .563 (9-of-16) over the four-game set with a pair of home runs, four runs scored, and three RBI. Marte had a lackluster 2020 campaign but was expected by many as a bounce-back candidate this season.
Starting catcher Carson Kelly batted well in the three games he saw action in, hitting .625 (5-of-8) with just one strikeout. The Diamondbacks struggled against the Padres, pitching through most of the lineup, bringing a .217 team average to Colorado.
Outside of six runs allowed by starter Madison Bumgarner on Opening Day, the Arizona pitching staff held its own against a loaded Padres lineup. The Diamondbacks have a 4.91 team ERA, with Bumgarner accounting for six of the 18 earned runs allowed.
What to Know – Colorado Rockies
Colorado rolled to an 8-5 victory on Opening Day over the defending World Series champion Dodgers but dropped the final three games of the four-game series. The Rockies were projected to finish behind the Diamondbacks in the NL West standings.
Colorado counters on the mound with German Marquez. Marquez got the nod on Opening Day for the Rockies, firing four innings of one-run ball. The righty scattered six hits, walked six, and fanned two.
Considered one of the friendliest ballparks in the majors for hitters, Coors Field did not help the home team in the opening series. The Rockies hit .222 as a team, led by shortstop Trevor Story with a team-high five hits.
First baseman C.J. Cron and second baseman Chris Owings each scored four runs apiece over the series while four Colorado batters collected three RBI apiece.
No starting pitcher went more than 5.0 innings for the Rockies, leading to heavy use of the Colorado bullpen. Outside of scoreless appearances from Jordan Sheffield and closer Daniel Bard, the relief pitchers have all surrendered one or more runs.
The Pick is In
This contest is going to hinge on which team’s bullpen holds its own. Expect runs to be scored early and often against these starters, so short stints are expected. The over should hit early in this one, so take it and feel comfortable with the play.
The Pick: OVER 11 (-120)
