It’s looking like a short night for starting pitchers when the Pirates and Rockies meet up at Coors Field in the August 29th MLB betting free pick. The total for this contest is set at a whopping 14.5 That’s a ton of runs and oddsmakers aren’t totally sure which side they are coming from. Colorado is -108 in this one with Pittsburgh set at -100. Is the total or the side the play Thursday?
Pittsburgh Offense Hitting Well Lately
The Pirates are 13 games under .500 on the road this season but overall they’ve won 4 of their last 6 games. Pittsburgh bats have come alive nicely over that run, scoring at least 5 runs in 4 of the last 5 games. That includes a 14-0 win and a 9-8 win over Cincinnati on August 24th and 25th. That type of run production bodes well with a trip to Coors Field upcoming. Josh Bell has 3 HR in the past week, and Bryan Reynolds (.393) leads a group of six Pirates regulars hitting over .300 in the last 7 games.
Obviously with a total of 14.5 for the August 29th MLB betting free pick oddsmakers aren’t expecting a whole lot from pitchers. The big question for Pirates skipper Clint Hurdle is what version of starter Trevor Williams he gets Thursday night. Williams struggled in three starts from August 7th to August 19th, allowing 6, 5, and 6 ER in just 12 IP. Last time out though, Williams held the Reds to 0ER on just 3 hits over 6.0 innings. This is Williams first start vs. Colorado in 2019.
Colorado Bats Still a Threat Here?
The Rockies have loads of talent on paper but they haven’t been putting up the eye popping numbers that one would expect lately. Colorado has dropped 6 of their last 7 games being held to 4 runs or less in 5 of those contests. That being said, Nolan Arenado is 12 for his last 28 (.429) with 3 HRs. Only 3 other Rockies have gone deep in the last week though. Charlie Blackmon is especially struggling with just 4 hits in his last 29 ABs (.138).
What’s unfortunate for Rockies backers is that the Colorado offense will likely have to have a big night considering Chi Chi Gonzalez gets the start. The right-hander has made just 8 big league starts this season as he tries to re-establish himself after Tommy John surgery. Gonzalez was off to a good start with Colorado, but has given up 5ER twice in his last 3 starts. Gonzalez has made 5 straight starts on the road and has still allowed 8 HR in his last 6 starts. Is he ready for Coors Field in the August 29th MLB betting free pick?
Top Trends:
- Pirates are 5-1 last 6 vs. team with a losing record
- Pirates are 10-27 last 37 road games
- Pirates are 1-4 in Williams’ last 4 road starts
- Rockies are 5-2 last 7 home games
- Rockies are 0-7 in Gonzalez’ last 7 home starts
MLB Free Pick:
Is Williams back for the Pirates? That’s a big question to be answered Thursday night but it’s also hard to back Colorado with Gonzalez on the bump. Pittsburgh seems to be the play here even though they are on the road as the Rockies are simply going to have a hard time overcoming their pitching woes.
Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates EV
