Are the offenses about to step up in the August 5th Cubs at Rockies contest? Temps at Coors Field are expected to be in the 90s at game time and we’ve got two relatively pitchers taking the bump.
Jake Arrieta (5-10, 6.20 ERA) makes just his second start since returning from the IL with a hamstring injury while Anthony Senzatela (2-8, 4.58 ERA) goes for the first time since July 7th after being on the COVID protocols list. The teams have split games so far in this series, and Colorado is a -154 favorite in the finale.
Arrieta and Coors a Bad Match?
Give Arrieta credit, he did look much better in his return from a hamstring injury on July 30th, holding Washington to 2 ER over 4.0 IP. Arrieta seems to have reset after allowing 7 ER to the Phillies over just 1.2 IP on July 6th and being unable to hold on to a 7-0 1st inning lead in a loss to the Brewers on June 30th – his two starts prior to landing on the IL.
Even so, how much can you trust Arrieta in the August 5th Cubs at Rockies matchup? Chicago dropped the opener of this series 13-6 as +135 underdogs after starter Zach Davies allowed 7 ER over just 4.0 IP. Wednesday’s game was much lower scoring, with the Cubs winning 3-2 as +163 underdogs. Patrick Wisdom drove in all three runs for Chicago as the teams combined for 20 hits.
Thursday’s game could go either way with all the pitching questions. The Cubs are atrocious on the road (21-36) while the Rockies are 34-21 at Coors Field on the season. Chicago is 7-19 in their last 26 away from Wrigley Field.
Rockies Looking For Series Win
Colorado belted out 10 hits on Wednesday, but weren’t able to break through for more than just their 2 runs in the loss as -178 favorites with Jon Gray on the bump. It was a far cry from plating 13 runs on 13 hits in Tuesday’s win. Elias Diaz and Sam Hilliard combined to drive in 8 runs from the 7 and 8 spot in the lineup in that win.
Colorado should be able to put up a few against Arrieta on Thursday. Then again, Charlie Blackmon is just 1 for 12 (.083) in his career vs. the Cubs starter and the Rockies as a whole are just 6 for 34 (.176) as a team vs. Arrieta. The right-hander is not the same pitcher as he was en route to the 2015 Cy Young award.
Senzatela is another wild card in this contest. The right-hander hasn’t pitched in the majors since July 7th, but does have a solid 3.75 ERA in 10 starts at Coors Field this season compared to 6.03 in 7 road games.
Free August 5th Cubs at Rockies Pick
No other way to go in this one than bank on a high scoring game. The weather conditions are extremely warm, the wind is blowing out slightly, and the pitchers could both turn things over to the bullpen fairly quickly. The number is up there – but it’s Coors Field.
Rockies 8 – Cubs 5
Free Pick: Over 11.5
