Nationals @ Rockies: Game Preview (6/26)

Nationals vs Rockies

Coors Field

8:40 MASN2

Story Lines:

• The Nationals have lost 3+ games in a row 5 times this season.  Trying to avoid making that 6.
• Gio is trying to become the leader in wins on the staff tonight with win number 10.
• No excuses of travel fatigue tonight, the offensive needs to produces for the Nats.
• The Rockies fired their pitching coach

Pitching Match Up:

• Gio Gonzalez
• 9-3 with a 2.55 ERA.
• Has only faced two of the current Rockies, Cuddyer and Scutaro.
• Has only given up 1 homerun all season.

• Christian Friedrich
• 4-4 with a 5.65 ERA.
• Has never faced any of the current Nationals.
• Has only made it through 7 innings twice this season.

Who to Watch:

• Michael Morse
• Is only hitting .217 with 1 homerun and 5 RBIs since returning from injury.
• Since hitting his homerun on Jun 19th, his average has dropped 13 points.
• He should LIVE for Coors Field.

• Michael Cuddyer
• Batting .400 lifetime against Gio with a homerun in 10 at bats.
• Has hit 11 homeruns on the season and is second the team in RBIs (47)

Keys to the Game:

1. Score Some Runs.  We are going to need at least 3 runs to win this thing.
2. Stop BUNTING.  Small ball and Coors Field do not mix.
3. Go-Go-Gio.  Gio can't get chased early, because I don't want to see what Wang will do in Coors.