San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 8, 2024

Published on:
May 8, 2024 6:36 AM
On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 8:40 PM, the San Francisco Giants will face off against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, looking to build on their current series lead. The Giants, who hold a 16-21 overall record and 7-14 on the road, will aim to capitalize on their momentum against a struggling Rockies team that's 8-27 overall and 5-11 at home. Can the Rockies turn the tide on their poor home record, or will the Giants continue their dominance?
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San Francisco Giants
Colorado Rockies

Giants vs Rockies starting pitchers

In the upcoming clash between the San Francisco Giants and the Colorado Rockies, the pitching matchup features Jordan Hicks for the Giants against Peter Lambert for the Rockies. Hicks has been in impressive form this season with an ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 1.03 over 38 innings, backed by 30 strikeouts. His notable ability to minimize home runs, having allowed only one so far, should play well at Oracle Park, a venue that can favor pitchers. On the other hand, Lambert has struggled with consistency, reflected in a 5.66 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 20 and 2/3 innings pitched. Lambert's higher rate of allowing hits and runs could be a critical factor, especially against a Giants lineup that features several potent hitters. As both teams face off, Hicks’ current form could give the Giants a discernible advantage on the mound.

Giants vs Rockies game preview

The San Francisco Giants enter the upcoming game with a few mid-range statistics that indicate areas of both concern and moderate strength. Their batting average standing at 19th in the league reflects a lineup that has occasionally struggled to maintain consistent base-hitting prowess, a critical aspect as they face off against the Rockies. One key player to watch is Jung Hoo Lee, whose team-leading batting average of .264 could provide the necessary spark for the Giants' lineup. Furthermore, despite his day-to-day status due to a shoulder issue, Jorge Soler’s power at the plate, leading the team with 5 home runs, can't be ignored if he’s fit to play. With Jordan Hicks on the mound, the Giants have a chance to suppress the Rockies’ struggling hitters, but will need their defense and bullpen to tighten up, particularly in avoiding stranded runners, where they are ranked tied-17th in the league.

In contrast, the Colorado Rockies face even greater challenges, with a lineup struggling significantly across the board. Their key issue has been run production, ranking 29th in runs scored and similarly poor placements in hits and home runs. Ryan McMahon stands out as an individual performer, leading the team with a .302 batting average and tied for home runs at five, but he needs more support from the rest of the lineup to make a marked impact. As Peter Lambert takes the mound, his performance will be critical in curbing the Giants’ hitters to compensate for his team’s offensive woes. For the Rockies to secure a win against the Giants, they will need a standout pitching performance and a sudden resurgence in their batting efficacy, particularly in converting at-bats into runs, where they also rank distressingly low.

Colorado Rockies injuries

  • Tanner Gordon (SP): Day-To-Day
  • Case Williams (SP): Day-To-Day
  • Evan Justice (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Gavin Hollowell (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Noah Davis (SP): Day-To-Day

San Francisco Giants injuries

  • Jorge Soler (DH): Day-To-Day
  • Will Bednar (SP): Day-To-Day
  • Patrick Bailey (C): 7-Day IL
  • Vaun Brown (OF): Day-To-Day
  • Wade Meckler (OF): Day-To-Day

Giants vs Rockies predictions

Ugh, the Rockies are getting crushed by the books in this one, with the Giants sitting at -170. That's a pretty hefty favorite, especially considering the game is at Coors Field, where the Rockies usually have an advantage. But hey, when you're as bad as the Rockies have been this season, you can't really blame the oddsmakers. I mean, San Francisco is already up 1-0 in the series and the Rockies are limping along with a 8-27 record. Yeah, it's not looking good for the home team.

So, what can we expect from this one? Well, I think Jordan Hicks is going to have a solid outing for the Giants, maybe going 6 innings and giving up just 2 runs. The Rockies' Peter Lambert is the definition of a wild card, but I'm thinking he's going to get rocked in this one, giving up 4-5 runs in just 4 innings of work. On the offensive side, I'm looking for Thairo Estrada to keep ripping the ball, maybe going 2-4 with an RBI or two. And Jorge Soler, who's been on a tear lately, is due for a big game - I think he goes deep and drives in 3 runs. On the other side, I think Ryan McMahon will be the lone bright spot for the Rockies, maybe going 2-3 with a homer. But in the end, it's just not enough. Giants win this one 7-4, and it's not even that close. The Rockies' misery continues!

San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies Betting Odds

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