The Washington Nationals head to Coors Field for a Tuesday night matchup against the Colorado Rockies, with first pitch scheduled for 8:40 PM ET. Miles Mikolas gets the ball for Washington against Colorado's Michael Lorenzen in what promises to be a pitching challenge at one of the most offense-friendly ballparks in baseball. With the altitude in Denver consistently inflating run totals and suppressing pitcher effectiveness, how Mikolas manages the environment will go a long way toward determining whether the Nationals can come away with a win.

Pitching Matchup: Mikolas vs. Lorenzen at Coors Field

Miles Mikolas draws the start for Washington. The veteran right-hander has built his career around command and contact management — a profile that gets tested every time a pitcher steps onto the mound in Denver. The thin air and expansive outfield at Coors Field punish mistakes, and Mikolas will need to work efficiently and keep the ball on the ground to limit the damage that Colorado's hitters can do in this environment.

Michael Lorenzen takes the mound for the Rockies. Lorenzen is a physical, power-armed right-hander who has bounced between starting and relieving roles throughout his career. Washington's lineup will need to be disciplined and patient early against him, looking to work counts and get into the Colorado bullpen.

Colorado Rockies Starting Lineup

• Jake McCarthy, LF
• Cole Carrigg, CF
• Hunter Goodman, C
• Willi Castro, 2B
• TJ Rumfield, 1B
• Kyle Karros, 3B
• Mickey Moniak, DH
• Troy Johnston, RF
• Ezequiel Tovar, SS

Keys to Watch for Washington

Managing the Coors Effect

There is no way to sugarcoat it — pitching at Coors Field is hard. Breaking balls flatten out, fly balls carry further, and run totals balloon. Mikolas will need to prioritize soft contact and avoid leaving fastballs over the heart of the plate. If Washington's defense can make the routine plays behind him, that goes a long way toward keeping the score manageable.

Tovar Is the Danger Man

Ezequiel Tovar hits ninth for Colorado, but the shortstop is capable of beating you at any point in the lineup. Mikolas and the Washington battery need to be sharp with how they attack him, especially with runners on base.

Nationals Offense Must Take Advantage of the Park

Coors Field cuts both ways. The same altitude that punishes pitchers also gives hitters a boost. Washington's lineup should be aggressive early in counts and look to drive the ball. If the Nationals can get to Lorenzen in the first few innings, the game opens up considerably.

Broadcast Information

Tuesday's game can be seen on Nationals.TV and Rockies.TV. Radio listeners in Washington can tune in to WJFK 106.7 The Fan. Colorado radio coverage is available on KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM, with Spanish-language coverage on KNRV 1150.

Prediction

Coors Field has a way of turning pitchers' duels into slugfests without warning. Mikolas has the savvy to work through a lineup, but Denver demands respect. Expect both offenses to be active, and expect this game to come down to which bullpen holds up late. Washington has enough firepower to compete on the road here, but the Rockies have the home-field advantage of altitude working in their favor. Call it a tight game that goes late — Nationals 6, Rockies 5.