The Atlanta Braves are gunning for a series victory at Coors Field, and they've got just the man to cool down the Mile High air: ace Chris Sale. After an electrifying comeback win in Game 1, the Braves look to keep the momentum rolling against a Colorado Rockies team that, while not traditionally dominant, has shown surprising fight this season.
Chris Sale has been nothing short of stellar in 2025, despite a rare rough outing against the Angels earlier this year. Coors Field is notorious for turning pitchers into spectators, but Sale seems to have the thin air figured out. In his career, he's made just three appearances at the hitter-friendly park—two out of the bullpen in 2011 and one start last season. That start? A dominant 7.0-inning performance with 10 strikeouts. Overall, Sale has logged 10.1 innings at Coors, allowing only two runs while fanning 13 batters. Against a Rockies lineup that's been less miserable than in recent years, this is a game the Braves should absolutely win.
On the other side, the Rockies are expected to counter with Chase Dollander, one of the few bright spots in Colorado's rotation this season. Dollander has been used in unconventional ways—sometimes following an opener or pitching bulk innings later in games—but he's been effective, averaging nearly 5.0 innings per outing. Through 32.0 innings, he boasts an impressive 3.05 FIP and 3.08 xFIP, a huge leap from his replacement-level debut in 2024. He's striking out nearly 11 batters per nine innings while keeping walks in check. His minor league numbers suggest the strikeouts are legit, though the walk rate may eventually regress toward the mean.
Dollander is a former top prospect for good reason. He relies on a high-90s four-seamer and sinker, both with above-average arm-side run. But his secondary pitches—a slider, changeup, curveball, and sweeper—are still a work in progress. He often struggles with location, leaving them over the heart of the plate or missing the zone entirely. That's exactly the kind of vulnerability the Braves' lineup can exploit, especially with Sale on the mound.
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