Overview
The Colorado Rockies are in Pittsburgh again today where they finish up their three game series versus the Pirates. The Pirates took the first game 2-1 but the Rockies bounced yesterday scoring 4 runs in the top of the 9th inning on their way to a 5-1 win. The Pirates have owned the Rockies of late winning 11 of the last 13 meetings overall.
Head to Head Trends
Rockies are 1-8 in the last 9 meetings.
Rockies are 2-8 in the last 10 meetings in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Pirates (-145)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are 2nd in the National League Central with a 23-19 record 6.5 games back of the 1st place Chicago Cubs. The Pirates have played some fairly solid ball this season they have one of the better offenses in the National League averaging 4.83 runs per game but their pitching isn’t the greatest allowing 4.71 runs per game.
Taking the mound for the Pirates in this one is Juan Nicasio who is 4-3 with a 4.46 ERA on the season. Nicasio had a decent start to the season but he hasn’t been very good over his last 3 starts going just 1-1 with a 6.46 ERA.
Pittsburgh Pirates Trends
Pirates are 27-10 in their last 37 Sunday games.
Pirates are 35-16 in their last 51 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Colorado Rockies (+135)
The Colorado Rockies are 2nd in the National League West with a 21-21 record 3.5 games back of the 1st place San Francisco Giants. Usually the Rockies play good at home but are horrible on the road and I know this season is still young but the Rockies are actually 2 games over .500 on the road and 2 games under .500 at home this season.
On the hill for the Rockies today is Chad Bettis who is 4-2 with a 4.18 ERA in 9 starts this season. Bettis has been solid enough this season he usually keeps the Rockies in the game and lets his offense take care of business. One stat that I find interesting about Bettis especially considering that he plays in Coors field is that all 6 of his homeruns allowed this season have come away from home which is kind of surprising for a Rockies pitcher.
Colorado Rockies Trends
Rockies are 19-54 in their last 73 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Rockies are 1-5 in Bettis’ last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Conclusion
I like the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Rockies in this one. The Pirates bats look to be really heating up again batting .314 over their last 5 games and we’ve already seen it this season that when the Pirates bats get hot they can put up some big numbers.
Free Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates -145
