Rockies vs. Angels: A Showdown to Watch!
Hey there, fellow baseball enthusiasts! If you’re like me, July’s warm evenings and the smell of hot dogs just scream MLB action. Today, we’ve got a juicy matchup on our hands as the Colorado Rockies (38-70) roll into Angel Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Angels (47-60) on Thursday, July 31, 2024. A classic clash of teams with their eyes firmly set on redeeming their seasons, right?
Rockies’ Struggles Continue
Let’s talk about the Rockies—poor souls. After getting smacked in their previous game against the Angels, their losing streak has now reached five games. It’s a rough patch that would make any Rockies fan cringe. Over the past 11 games since the All-Star break, they’ve managed to score 58 runs, which sounds great until you consider they’re slashing .247/.316/.421. The offense has seen a bit of a spark with 15 home runs in that stretch, but what does it matter when the team only has 38 wins overall?
Let’s not forget Ryan Feltner, the pitcher for this match. This 27-year-old righty might be good for a story, but his season has been, well, a bit of a train wreck. With a record of 1-10 and a 4.99 ERA, even the most die-hard Rockies fan must be feeling the frustration. He has shown some signs of life recently, though, allowing only 11 runs over five starts—so maybe there’s a glimmer of hope. But let’s be honest. Trusting him on the mound right now is like trusting a cat to take care of a bowl of goldfish.
Angels Reflecting Hope
On the flip side, the Angels, fresh off that 10-7 victory, are looking to build momentum. They’ve won two in a row now, which is a blessing considering their season was starting to feel a bit like a slow dance with a cactus—uncomfortable and prickly. Their offense hasn’t been blazing hot, but a .247 average with some solid numbers from young gun Nolan Schanuel gives reason to believe.
Carson Fulmer will be taking the mound for the Angels, and while this guy is no ace—0-2 with a 3.77 ERA in three starts—it’s a step up against a Rockies team that is really struggling. If he can keep it together for a few innings, the Angels could capitalize on Colorado’s sloppy defense and shaky bullpen.
Key Matchup and Predictions
Now, here’s where it gets spicy. The Rockies’ bullpen has been downright atrocious, racking up a 4.15 ERA over the last ten days. Meanwhile, the Angels’ bullpen has been serving the baseball gods well, showing off a much-improved 1.35 ERA. If I were a betting person—and trust me, I am—I’d say the Angels have the edge here.
All things considered, while I’d love to see the Rockies turn it around and make a game of it, the odds seem stacked against them. I mean, they’ve been 0-6 in Feltner’s last six starts—a stat that jumps off the page like a jack-in-the-box. So, while I’m pulling for some baseball magic, I’m reluctantly leaning towards the Angels for this matchup.
Prediction: Take the Los Angeles Angels (-120) and consider going over 9.0 runs in total. The boys in red should pile on the runs and leave the Rockies questioning just how many baseballs they need to hit before leaving the season behind for good.
So, grab your snacks, settle into your second-hand couch, and let’s tune in for what promises to be an exciting game. Here’s hoping for some fireworks on the field! Cheers!
