NL West Division Battle: Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies will continue their weekend series on Saturday evening at Coors Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Rockies in the first game of this series by a score of 9-4. With the win, the Diamondbacks increased their division lead over the Rockies to 1.5 games.

The Dodgers were the favorites to win the NL West Division before the season began, but the Rockies and Diamondbacks appear to be for real. Both teams sit above .500 for the season, but neither team has been able to break away from the pack. The Colorado Rockies are -131 over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday evening.

Bettis Hopes to Carry Rockies

Chad Bettis has been the ace of the Rockies staff this season, and is having a career year on the mound. Bettis is 4-1 with a 4.02 ERA, but hasn’t earned a decision in his last five starts. The Rockies right hander will be looking to go deeper into the ballgame to give himself and his team a chance at a victory.

Nolan Arenado continues to lead the Rockies offensive attack. The All-Star third baseman leads the Rockies in both home runs (12) and batting average (.327). Arenado has been considered one of the top third basemen in the game for quite some time, but is playing at a new level in 2018. Look for Arenado to stay hot and keep his team in the NL West race.

D-Backs Need Offense to Wake Up

The Arizona Diamondbacks pitching staff has carried the team all season long. The Diamondbacks rank fourth in Major League Baseball with a sparkling 3.41 team ERA. The DBacks have two studs in the backend of their bullpen with Archie Bradley setting up games for Brad Boxberger. If Arizona can get an early lead, their bullpen usually takes care of business for them.

The Diamondbacks rank dead last in Major League baseball in batting average and are just 24th in total runs scored. Perennial All-Star, Paul Goldschmidt, has been having a down year for the DBacks, but hit two home runs in the series opening win. Arizona does not have a regular player hitting over .290 so far in 2018. The Diamondbacks must find a way to score runs to beat the Rockies on Saturday evening and to hold them off in the standings.

Rockies Win at Home

The Diamondbacks and Rockies appear to be headed for a season long battle to stay atop the National League West division. Both clubs will be trying to keep the Los Angeles Dodgers in their rearview mirror. The Diamondbacks got off to a terrific start, but have fallen back to the pack in recent weeks.

The Colorado Rockies are a much better team at home, and have their ace on the mound on Saturday evening. The Rockies are in the middle of pack in terms of offense this season, but are capable of breaking out anytime. Look for the Rockies offense to rough up DBacks starter, Matt Koch and take game two of the series. Bet the Colorado Rockies -131 over the Arizona Diamondbacks.