NLDS Gm 1. Preview: Rockies @ Brewers
Updated: Oct 8, 2018
It's the most wonderful time of the year. The 2018 playoffs semi officially begin tonight with game one of the NLDS between the Colorado Rockies and the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Rockies will be riding in on a high after winning the wild card game against the Cubs 2-1 in 13 innings on Tuesday. The Brewers meanwhile haven't played since Monday when they also beat the Cubs 3-1.
The Rockies are handing the ball to 23 year old sophomore Antonio Senzatela, while the Brewers will go with a bullpen game using Brandon Woodruff as their "opener"
Senzatela finished the season 6-6 in 90.1 IP, recording a 4.38 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP in the process. He's been better as of late, only giving up one run in back to back starts.
Woodruff is obviously more of a surprising choice given that it is game one of a five game series and Milwaukee is already starting a reliever. The apparent plan is to have Woodruff go three or four innings before they hand the game over to their bullpen which includes all stars Josh Hader and Jeremy Jefress.
Both teams will rely heavily on their potent offence to "outslug" the other side.
The Brewers offence is an incredibly deep weapon that includes NL MVP candidate Christian Yellich. Yellich finished the season with an NL leading .326 AVG with 36 home runs and 110 RBIS. The lineup will also feature the likes of Lorenzo Cain, Jesus Aguilar, Mike Moustakas, and former MVP Ryan Braun.
The Rockies will bring a similarly deep roster built around the tandem of Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story. The pair of teammates both put up MVP like numbers: Arenado finishing the season with a .297 AVG, 110 RBIs and a NL leading 38 home runs. Story on the other hand posted a .291 AVG with 37 home runs, and 108 RBIs. The two will be centered in an offence that includes Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu, Ian Desmond, and red hot David Dahl.
The series is set up to be a slugfest, given the series includes four of the top 10 home run hitters in the NL while neither team features a lights out pitching staff.
It all begins tonight. 5:07 EST. Rockies. Brewers. NLDS. Game 1.