The Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres are set to continue their weekend series at Petco Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with first pitch scheduled for 8:40 PM ET. The Rockies, with a 3-10 record, face significant challenges against the 11-3 Padres, a team leading the National League West and boasting impressive form both home and away.
Colorado Rockies: Seeking Improvement
The Rockies enter this matchup struggling in nearly every facet of the game. Offensively, they rank last in MLB in runs per game at just 3.08 and have particularly struggled as the visiting team, averaging only 1.83 runs per contest. Colorado’s pitching has been equally concerning, with a team ERA of 5.10 and a WHIP of 1.53, both ranked near the bottom of the league. Key offensive contributors have been Brenton Doyle, who leads the team with a .321 batting average, and Michael Toglia, who continues to emerge as a power bat in the Rockies’ lineup.
Chase Dollander, a promising rookie right-hander, takes the mound for Colorado. In his major league debut, Dollander threw five innings while allowing four earned runs for a 7.20 ERA. While he earned the win in that game, this will be his first outing against a stronger Padres lineup and his first career start at pitcher-friendly Petco Park. Dollander’s minor league track record suggests potential, but his inexperience leaves questions about his readiness against a formidable opponent.
San Diego Padres: Dominating the Division
San Diego has been a powerhouse early this season, particularly at home, where they are an undefeated 8-0. The Padres have scored 4.38 runs per game while allowing just 3.31 and are heavily favored to maintain their momentum. Their offensive lineup is bolstered by stars like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Xander Bogaerts, each delivering contributions in hits, RBIs, and power, creating a well-rounded offensive threat.
The Padres will send left-hander Kyle Hart to the hill. While Hart holds a 1-0 record, his performance this season has been inconsistent, including an 11.12 ERA over 5.2 innings pitched. Hart has struggled with control and run prevention, highlighted by a recent outing in which he allowed five runs without surviving the first inning. Despite these issues, the Rockies’ scoring woes, particularly against left-handed starters, might provide a favorable matchup for Hart to bounce back.
Key Insights
- Rockies on the Road: Colorado has been abysmal on the road, reflected in their 1-6 record away from Coors Field. Their offensive production on the road ranks near the bottom of the league.
- Rockies vs. Padres Matchup: San Diego has dominated recent matchups, including an 8-0 victory in Friday’s series opener. They’ve also won eight straight home games at Petco Park.
- Scoring Trends: San Diego’s efficient pitching and Colorado’s offensive struggles have contributed to the “under” hitting in a majority of the Rockies’ games this year. However, given Hart’s instability on the mound, the total of 8.5 runs may be surpassed.
Prediction
The combination of the Rockies’ dismal road performance and the Padres’ dominance at home makes San Diego the strong favorite for this game. While Dollander shows promise, his inexperience against the Padres’ powerful lineup places him at a disadvantage. Kyle Hart’s recent struggles may offer the Rockies opportunities to score, but their inconsistent offense limits their ability to capitalize.
Prediction: Padres benefit from their depth and home-field advantage, taking a 6-4 win. Prospective bettors might consider the over on the 8.5 total runs due to vulnerabilities on both pitching staffs.
