The Rockies are fading fast in the NL West, going 2-8 over their last 10 including dropping five in a row. Colorado has a solid 21-15 record on the road and that will be put to the test as they take on Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park in the June 13th NL free pick. The Phillies took Game 1 last night 5-4, but that was behind another stellar outing from their ace Aaron Nola. Can Philadelphia cash in tonight at -140 with a somewhat struggling Nick Pivetta on the bump?
What the Heck Has Happened to Colorado?
Simply put, the Rockies are way too talented to be playing like they have been. What’s even more astonishing is how bad Colorado has played at home, losers of their last 7 at Coors Field. Perhaps a little six game road trip is exactly what the Rockies need to get back in the hunt in the NL West, as they’ve fell to 5 games back behind the Diamondbacks. Colorado has still managed to score runs (4+ in 15 of the last 16) but Nolan Arenado is the only starter hitting above .300 on the season. Colorado can get the win in the June 13th NL free pick if Trevor Story can stay hot. The SS has hit .367 with 3HR over the past week.
The Rockies send a left hander to the mound Wednesday night as Tyler Anderson (3-1, 4.81) gets the nod. He’ll give up some runs, that’s for sure as he’s surrendered 5ER in 2 of his last 4 starts. Anderson can also be pretty good though as he’s coming off a 2ER outing in 7.0 IP against Cincinnati. Anderson did have a great start against Philadelphia last season, throwing 7IP of 1ER ball in a no decision.
Is Philly Turning Things Around?
The Phillies are pretty significant favorites in the June 13th NL free pick (-140) despite the fact that they’re just 3-7 in their last 10. One of the major reasons for today’s line is because Philadelphia has been so good at home, posting a 21-11 mark this year. Part of the reason for Philly’s poor mark over their last 10 is because they lost 5 of 6 on the road. That being said, the first two games back for this home stand they were outscored 24-7 by the Brewers. Gabe Kapler’s team has turned it around with two straight wins, but they’re not out of the woods yet. Somebody who could have a big night Wednesday is leadoff man Cesar Hernandez, who is 6-9 (.667) in his career vs. Anderson.
One of the reasons that Colorado could have good value tonight is because starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (4-5, 3.76) has been struggling a bit for the Phillies. He’s failed to pitch out of the 5th in three straight starts, with a 5.79 ERA over that span. Two of those three games were on the road, so maybe hurling in front of his home crowd will get Pivetta right. He’s allowed just 2ER runs over his last three starts at PNC Park. Plus, no Rockies batter has seen the Philly righty more than 2AB in their careers.
June 13th NL Free Pick Betting
You have to think the Rockies get off the snide sooner rather than later. Yes they have limited appearances against Pivetta but that could be an advantage as well. Some of Rockies pitcher Tyler Anderson’s recent struggles have come from pitching in Coors Field. He can shut down the Philly offense tonight and give the Rockies incredible value.
Free Pick: Colorado Rockies +133
