Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals Odds & Pick: April 19th 2010

Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals
Free MLB Pick: Nationals
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The Nationals begin a series at home with the Colorado Rockies after taking two of three from the Milwaukee Brewers. Washington starting pitcher Craig Stammen is glad to see that the Phillies are not his opponent for the third straight time. Stammen’s numbers are bloated because he had to pitch against that potent Philadelphia lineup twice. He faced the Rockies twice last year, giving up just three runs in 12.3 innings of work combined in those outings. Chris Ianetta (0-5), Troy Tulowitzki (0-5), Carlos Gonzalez (0-5), Dexter Fowler (1-5) and Brad Hawpe (1-4) have struggled against the righty. And since Colorado’s offense isn’t as reliable on the road like they are at home, Stammen should pitch his best game of the young season tonight.

Aaron Cook makes the start for the Rockies and he’s 0-1 with a 5.56 ERA on the season. Cook took the loss in a 5-4 loss in Milwaukee last Wednesday afternoon. He hasn’t faced the Nationals since 2008, but he went just 1-1 against them in those two outings. This is a different Nationals team that is much better offensively. They have scored 34 runs in their last five games and have done so against some pretty good pitchers. Washington is also hitting close to .300 at home, and we expect them to bounce back strong tonight after losing on Sunday afternoon.