Hunter Goodman is riding high after a scorching four-hit performance on Friday, and he'll look to keep that momentum going as the Colorado Rockies face off against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.
Goodman has been a bright spot in an otherwise tough stretch for the Rockies, going 10-for-43 with a double and four home runs over his last 10 games. His hot bat will be crucial as Colorado (16-23) tries to climb out of fourth place in the NL West.
The Phillies (17-22) are hoping to build on a solid 7-3 run over their last 10 games, which has helped them move into third in the NL East. Philadelphia has been particularly tough when they keep the ball in the park, boasting an 11-5 record in games where they don't allow a home run.
Saturday's pitching matchup features two left-handed starters looking to find their rhythm. Colorado's Kyle Freeland (1-3, 5.04 ERA) will take the mound against Philadelphia's Aaron Nola (2-3, 5.06 ERA). Both pitchers have struggled with consistency, but Nola's 40 strikeouts in limited innings suggest he has the stuff to dominate when he's on.
For the Phillies, Kyle Schwarber continues to be a power threat with 13 home runs and 22 RBIs, while Brandon Marsh has been red-hot, going 15-for-35 with three doubles and a triple over the last 10 games. The Rockies will counter with Mickey Moniak, who is hitting .315 with 11 home runs and has been the team's most consistent offensive threat.
The season series is tied 2-2 heading into this game, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already compelling matchup. With both teams hovering around .500 and looking to make a move in their respective divisions, every game counts.
Injury-wise, the Phillies are dealing with some bullpen issues, as Zach Pop (calf) and Kyle Backhus (elbow) are on the 15-day IL, while Max Lazar (oblique) is on the 60-day IL. The Rockies have a longer list of walking wounded, including Kris Bryant (back) and Ryan Feltner (tricep) on the 60-day and 15-day IL respectively.
For fans heading to the ballpark or watching from home, this game has all the makings of a tight contest. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs, and with both offenses capable of putting up numbers, it could be a high-scoring affair.