Reds: Recipe for redemption vs Rockies requires more Tyler Stephenson

Reds look to slow Rockies second baseman Ryan McMahon.

Ryan McMahon may not hit for a high average and reach base as much as you would like, but positive things happen when he does make contact. While the slash line of .253/.307/.484 is not necessarily newsworthy, his power will certainly garner headlines.

The left-handed-hitting second baseman leads the Rockies with 13 homers and 34 RBIs. McMahon’s contributions cannot be dismissed because this Rockies offense is hardly reminiscent of the Blake Street Bombers of years ago.

Entering play Thursday, the Colorado offense averages 4.27 runs per contest which places them slightly below the 4.33 league standard. What is probably most alarming is the Rockies’ lack of power. Colorado’s 54 round-trippers are the second-fewest in the senior circuit. The aforementioned McMahon is the only Rockie who has left the yard more than five times this season.

Unfortunately, the pitching side of the ledger isn’t producing many dividends as well for Rockies fans. As play began Thursday, Colorado pitchers have compiled a 4.71 ERA, placing them 13th among NL staffs.

The inability to throw strikes has been a persistent issue for Rockie hurlers. Their 227 free passes are the fourth-most in the National League. Additionally, the league’s second-highest of hit total of 538 allowed by Colorado pitching has led to an NL worst 1.42 WHIP as play began yesterday.

As a team, you don’t drop 24 of 29 road games by accident, and the Colorado pitching staff has more than added to the club’s road woes. Rockie pitching has compiled a 5.16 ERA away from Coors Field. Facing the NL’s best hitting team, runs should be aplenty this weekend for the Reds.