The set-up: The Washington Nationals own a comfortable eight-game lead in the NL East at 75-54 while the 61-68 Rockies are 11 games out in the NL West and 7 1/2 games out in the wild card hunt (Colorado is not thinking postseason in 2016). The teams play the rubber match of this three-games series Sunday afternoon, after Colorado won 9-4 in 11 innings on Saturday (Nats won 8-5 on Friday). The Rockies have played well against Washington this year, with three wins in five games, so they have the Nats attention in this series finale.

Chad Bettis (10-7, 5.29 ERA) takes the hill for Colorado and Lucas Giolito (0-0, 4.91 ERA) for Washington. This marks Bettis' 27th start of the season (tops among Colorado pitchers) and it's his fourth career appearance against Washington. He made a start back in Denver on August 16 but a two-hour rain delay prevented him from going any longer than three innings (Colorado would win, 6-2). His other appearances vs. the Nats were two outings from the bullpen back in 2014. Washington rookie Giolito made his first three starts of his big league career earlier this year, from June 28 through July 24. He hasn't had a decision and has not lasted more than four innings in any of his starts (11 IP / 4.91 ERA / 1.91 WHIP).

The pick: Bettis may lead the Colorado staff in wins (10) but he owns a 5.29 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and opponents have batted .292 against him this season. He's no match for this Washington lineup, even up against an rookie mound opponent making just his fourth career start. Washington is a 6* play.