The Nationals come out way ahead of the Rockies in every category. But the line isn't outrageously high because Colorado is home. Maybe the oddsmaker has forgotten that the Rockies are 8-20 in their last 28 games at Coors so even home field isn't an advantage.

Washington is making its move winning 13 of its last 18. The Nationals are healthy again, their key hitters are hitting well and they have Jordan Zimmerman going. Zimmerman is healthy and will not be on a pitch count. Zimmerman rates as a solid "B" to "B+" pitcher in my book. He has dominated the Rockies going 5-0 with a 1.64 ERA in seven starts against them. Zimmerman hasn't been bothered either when pitching at Coors going 2-0 there with a 2.70 ERA in three starts. The Nationals are 18-3 (86%) the past 21 times Zimmerman has been favored in the minus $1.51 to $2.00 range.

While the Nationals are surging and confident, the Rockies are the opposite. The Rockies are folding up tent just like they've done the past three years during the second half of the season. Colorado has dropped 25 of its last 31 games, including the past six times. Colorado is tied with Texas for the worst record in baseball at 40-59.

The Rockies have a decimated starting staff and multiple injuries to their best offensive players. Michael Cuddyer is out. So is Justin Morneau. Troy Tulowitzki has missed the past three games. Carlos Gonzalez hurt both his wrists last night and may sit out. Charlie Blackmon is playing on a sore ankle.

Now, because of their pitching injuries, the Rockies are forced to dip back and pluck out Yohan Flande again. He's 0-2 with a 7.36 ERA. The Nationals just saw him last month, scoring three runs against him in 5 1/3 innings. The last time Flande pitched was July 6 when he was hammered at home by the Dodgers giving up five runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Washington also holds a huge bullpen edge. Nationals relievers rank No. 2 in the National League in ERA, while the Rockies' bullpen is last in the league in ERA and has blown the most saves.