Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals Preview: Christian Friedrich vs. Stephen Strasburg
By Andrew Dill
Mar 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Christian Friedrich (53) pitches in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Rockies capped off a brutal June last night with a 7-3 loss to the Washington Nationals. They encountered another ‘June Swoon’ where the team went 8-20. The past is the past and now it’s time for the Rockies to move forward and see what the month of July has to offer.
Pitching Matchup:
COL: Christian Friedrich (0-2, 8.10 ERA)
WSH: Stephen Strasburg (6-6, 3.70 ERA)
Christian Friedrich hasn’t enjoyed his first two starts this season as the southpaw is currently 0-2, with an ERA of 8.10. Despite striking out eight batters in his last start, the 26-year-old would get roughed up. Friedrich would last just four innings, giving up five earned on nine hits while walking just one. In both of his starts, the Milwaukee Brewers scored 14 runs on the lefty, 9 of which were earned. Friedrich looks to bounce back tonight against a healthy Nationals lineup.
Stephen Strasburg will get the nod as he looks to bounce back after his worst outing of the season. Against the same team that handed Friedrich both of his losses (Brewers), Strasburg would get touched up for seven earned runs on eight hits, walking three and striking out two. He would get pulled after just 4.2 innings on 90 pitches. Strasburg will face a Colorado Rockies team that swings and misses a lot.
Game Notes:
- Rockies went 8-20 in the month of June; worst in franchise history.
- Ian Desmond is 2-for-2 lifetime vs. Christian Friedrich with a double.
- DJ LeMahieu is 2-for-3 lifetime vs. Stephen Strasburg with 1 RBI.
First-pitch between the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET, 5:05 PM MT.