The Colorado Rockies and Atlanta Braves conclude their three-game series in Atlanta on Thursday evening. The Rockies find themselves on the verge of reaching 100 losses in what has become another lackluster season. Meanwhile, the Braves are in a tight race for the NL East Division title, facing pressure to finish strong to secure a wildcard spot. The pitching duel features Colorado’s lefty Austin Gomber (4-10, 4.69) against Atlanta’s right-handed Reynaldo Lopez (8-4, 2.00). Fans can expect the first pitch at 7:20 pm EST.
Rockies Rely on Gomber’s Arm
The Colorado Rockies have become all too familiar with the challenges of a disappointing season. For the past two years, they have landed at the bottom of the NL West standings, unable to surpass fourth place since 2018. Following a club-record loss of 103 games last year, the Rockies seem poised to flirt with that number yet again in 2024. As they face a potential series sweep on Thursday, the Rockies are looking to break their losing streak after scoring just two runs across the first two games. In the latest matchup, they managed two runs in the second inning, highlighted by a triple from Sam Hilliard and a double from Charlie Blackmon, but ultimately fell 5-2.
In the series finale, the Rockies will turn to Austin Gomber. This left-handed pitcher holds a record of 4-10 with an ERA of 4.69 and a WHIP of 1.30. Over 144 innings, he has allowed 151 hits, issued 36 walks, and struck out 102 batters. Gomber has struggled with home runs, giving up 27 this season, which is not surprising given his home field’s altitude. In his most recent outing, he pitched six innings against the Orioles, surrendering eight hits and three runs, while striking out four batters.
Key Injuries: SP Dakota Hudson, SP Case Williams, OF Zac Veen, and RF Kris Bryant are sidelined.
Braves Count on Lopez for Success
The Atlanta Braves are in a battle for their playoff future as the season approaches its final stretch. With hopes of overtaking the Phillies for the division title dwindling, the Braves need to fend off the Mets in their quest for the third and last wildcard position. Aiming for a sweep on Thursday, the Braves have showcased impressive pitching in the first two games, including a shutout performance by Chris Sale and a strong outing by Charlie Morton alongside the bullpen, which kept the Rockies hitless in the last four innings of Wednesday’s game.
To finish the series, the Braves will rely on Reynaldo Lopez, one of their standout pitchers this season. Lopez boasts an 8-4 record over 22 starts, including 11 quality outings. He has allowed 100 hits across 121.2 innings while maintaining an impressive 2.00 ERA and a WHIP of 1.17. With 125 strikeouts and only 42 walks this season, Lopez’s prowess on the mound has been a key factor in Atlanta’s recent successes. His latest performance included six innings pitched against the Phillies, where he allowed only four hits and one run, contributing to a 6-2 victory.
Key Injuries: 2B Ozzie Albies, 3B Austin Riley, SP Huascar Ynoa, and RP Tyler Matzek are out.
Strategic Insights for Rockies vs. Braves
The Braves aim to capitalize on matchups like this as they strive to secure a playoff position. The Rockies have struggled recently, losing four of Gomber’s last five starts, while the Braves have won three of Lopez’s last five outings. With an ERA of just 2.00, Lopez presents a formidable challenge for a Rockies lineup that averages fewer than four runs per game on the road. Currently, the Rockies hold a dismal 19-50 record outside of Colorado, contrasting with the Braves’ solid home performance, where they stand at 36-28. The return of Michael Harris II to the Braves lineup has sparked improvement in their offensive capabilities, promising a tough challenge for the Rockies, whose pitching staff has an ERA of 5.53.
