Colorado Rockies vs Washington Nationals Picks and Predictions June 23rd 2024

Returning Kyle Freeland looks to lead Rockies past Nationals

Left-hander Kyle Freeland is back from the injured list on Sunday, ready to lead the Colorado Rockies to a series win against the Washington Nationals in Denver. After a dramatic 8-7 victory on Saturday, the Rockies are aiming for their first series win since late May, while the Nationals are looking to bounce back and continue their strong June performance.

Recent Game Highlights

The Rockies pulled off a thrilling 8-7 win on Saturday night, ending the game with a bases-loaded walk due to a pitch-clock violation. This was the first time a game ended this way since the rule was instituted last season.

“I had already started the season, and not at all how I wanted to,” Freeland told the Denver Post. “You can reset in your head — wash away those four starts, even if the numbers are still posted. I was able to take those two months, go through some things, work on some things — make some adjustments — and we’ll see if they pay off.”

Pitching Matchup

Kyle Freeland (Rockies)

• Record: 0-3, 13.21 ERA
• Recent Performance: Returning from a 60-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation, Freeland is looking to reset after a tough start to the season. His rehab included three starts, two with Triple-A Albuquerque, where he posted a 3.38 ERA.
• Career vs. Nationals: 5-2, 2.31 ERA in eight starts.

Jake Irvin (Nationals)

• Record: 5-6, 3.24 ERA
• Recent Performance: Irvin struggled in his last outing, giving up four runs on eight hits over five innings against the Diamondbacks. Despite a solid season, he aims to bounce back after lacking command in his previous start.
• Career vs. Rockies: Allowed four earned runs in six innings in his only start against Colorado.

Rockies’ Offensive Surge

The Rockies’ victory on Saturday was fueled by a wild ninth inning and strong offensive contributions:

• Ryan McMahon: Homered among his three hits and walked in the winning run.
• Brendan Rodgers and Hunter Goodman: Each hit a home run.
• Ezequiel Tovar: Singled twice and walked twice.

Nationals’ Recent Performance

Washington has been on a strong run, not losing a series since early June. Despite Saturday’s loss, key performances included:

• CJ Abrams: Continued his hot streak, missing a cycle by just a triple.
• Luis Garcia, Jr.: Gave the Nationals a 7-5 lead with a two-run homer in the eighth inning.
• Lane Thomas and Jacob Young: Each had two hits.

Key Player Injuries

• Rockies:
• Sean Bouchard: Left Saturday’s game with back tightness.
• Jake Bird: Removed due to groin tightness after facing three batters in the seventh inning.
• Nationals:
• The bullpen faltered despite solid performances earlier in the game, with Hunter Harvey giving up a solo homer in the eighth and Kyle Finnegan struggling in the ninth.

“It (stinks),” Finnegan said. “We played a great game and deserved to win, and I wasn’t able to do my job.”

Conclusion

Sunday’s matchup between the Rockies and Nationals will be a pivotal game as Kyle Freeland returns to the mound. Both teams have shown resilience and strong performances, making this a highly anticipated finale. Key contributions from players on both sides and the performances of Freeland and Irvin will be crucial in determining the outcome.