Teoscar Hernandez continues his impressive offensive surge as the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to face the Colorado Rockies in their August 21 matchup. The veteran slugger has been absolutely locked in lately, recording at least three hits, runs, and RBIs in five of his past eight games, including two of three contests in the hitter-friendly confines of Denver.
Coors Field has been particularly kind to Hernandez throughout his career. Over his last 13 games at the Rockies' home stadium, he's averaged an impressive 3.1 hits, runs, and RBIs per game - statistics that speak to both his comfort level at the venue and Colorado's pitching struggles.
The matchup looks even more favorable considering who'll be taking the mound for Colorado. Chase Dollander, the 23-year-old rookie starter, brings a dismal 2-9 record and 6.43 ERA into the contest. The young pitcher has already surrendered 15 home runs in just 78 innings of work this season.
What makes this particularly interesting? Dollander relies heavily on a fastball-curveball combination - precisely the pitch types Hernandez has feasted on throughout his career, posting ISOs of .244 or higher against both. Talk about walking into the lion's den.
The betting markets clearly recognize the mismatch, installing the Dodgers as heavy -294 favorites while setting a sky-high total of 12.5 runs for the game.
Colorado's hitters aren't without their own home-field advantages, though. Jordan Beck has proven to be a singles machine at Coors Field, collecting at least one in 59% of his home games compared to just 36% on the road. Similarly, Warming Bernabel has hit singles in 62% of home games versus 45% away.
But the spotlight remains firmly on Hernandez, who seems poised to continue his tear against a vulnerable Rockies pitching staff. Will this be another stat-padding night for the Dodgers slugger in the Mile High City?
