Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals game discussion: Cade Cavalli vs. Gabriel Hughes

There’s been plenty of offense during this homestand at Coors Field, sometimes from one team, sometimes from both teams. Now, the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals face off in the rubber match with a series victory on the line.

Gabriel Hughes (0-1, 3.14 ERA) will make his third start for the Rockies and second of the homestand. Hughes has looked good in his 14.1 innings of work, especially as a starting pitcher. After a quality start on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Hughes looked just as good against the Cincinnati Reds last Friday. In that start, he allowed just two runs on five hits with six strikeouts against two walks in 5.1 innings of work. The cut fastball has proven to be a bread-and-butter pitch for Hughes, but the secondary offspeed pitches have proven a bit more difficult to master. Still, Hughes has worked quickly and effectively through his first two starts, and if he can continue to take a step forward in efficiency, he is lining up to be a reliable big league starter.

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The Nationals will send out one of their best starters in Cade Cavalli (6-4, 3.78 ERA). Cavalli has been effective throughout the season, particularly since May 10. Since then, he has a 3.60 ERA in 70 innings over 13 games while registering 79 strikeouts against 15 walks. His last start came on the road against the Athletics, in which he allowed two runs on four hits over six innings with nine strikeouts. This will be the first time Cavalli has faced the Rockies, but his ability to get strikeouts and not give up big hits will be a challenge for the Colorado offense.

First Pitch: 1:10 pm MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

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SB Nation site: Federal Baseball

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