Game Preview: Dodgers Play Rockies For Game 163 To Determine NL West Champion

Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers

Time: 1:09 PM PT

Venue: Dodger Stadium

Colorado Record: 91-71

Los Angeles Record: 91-71

How are the Dodgers Doing?

The Dodgers did all they could to win the NL West on Sunday. They defeated the Giants 15-0, scoring seven runs in the second inning. Rich Hill, who found out he was the starting pitcher as he woke up on Sunday morning, provided seven shutout innings.

Why is this Game Important?

While the Dodgers did all they could to win their division, the Rockies countered with a 12-0 victory over the Nationals. The winner of this contest will play the Braves in the NLDS. The loser will play the loser of the Cubs/Brewers game in the wild card game.

The Dodgers have won 12 of 19 contests against Colorado this season. The two teams faced off earlier in September, with the Dodgers sweeping the Rockies in Los Angeles.

Pitching Matchup

Walker Buehler (7-5, 2.76 ERA) vs German Marquez (14-10, 3.76 ERA)

Walker Buehler expected to pitch in San Francisco on Sunday with a chance at first place on the line. He will now pitch at home on Monday to determine first place in the NL West. Buehler has pitched well for the Dodgers late in the year, with a 0.90 ERA over his last three starts. He has a 2.61 ERA in five starts against the Rockies in 2018.

The Rockies will throw German Marquez on the hill, who at 23-years-old is about seven months younger than Buehler. Marquez has also dominated down the stretch with a 5-2 record with a 2.14 ERA over the final two months of the season. Over that stretch, Marquez has struck out 101 batters, averaging over nine punchouts per start since the beginning of August. He set a franchise record by striking out the first eight batters he faced in his last start against the Phillies.

Matchup of the Day

Joc Pederson vs German Marquez

In an era when the rise in home runs come with an increase in strikeouts, Joc Pederson has avoided the trend of the latter. Pederson, who once led the Dodgers is strikeouts, is the only player in the National League this year to hit at least 25 home runs and strike out less than 100 times.

In his career against Marquez, Joc Pederson is batting .300 with two home runs in 10 at-bats.

Vegas Odds

FiveThirtyEight

Dodgers: 59% chance of winning

Colorado: 41% chance of winning

Fun Fact

The last time two National League teams played a game to determine a division winner was in 2009, when the Rockies defeated the Padres, 9-8, in 13 innings at Coors Field.