The Atlanta Braves and Colorado Rockies clash Monday in game 1 of an MLB series at Coors Field. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Braves look to stay hot after winning 12 of their last 16 games. The Braves have a 12.5 game lead in the NL East. The Braves pitching staff is 3rd in ERA (3.82), 12th in WHIP (1.27) and 12th in quality starts (49). The Braves’ offense is 1st in runs per game (5.78), 1st in batting average (.273) and 1st in homers (244). Ronald Acuna Jr. leads the Braves with 171 hits and 74 RBI, while Austin Riley and Matt Olson have combined for 272 hits and 190 RBI. Bryce Elder gets the ball, and he is 10-4 with a 3.39 ERA and 103 strikeouts this season. This will be Elder’s second career game against the Rockies.

Atlanta Braves Team Facts

• The Braves have won each of their last six games against the Rockies.
• The Braves have failed to cover the run line in each of their last nine night games against the Rockies following a loss.
• The Braves have led after 3 innings in each of their last four night games against NL West opponents that held a losing record.
• The Braves have led after 7 innings in each of their last six games against the Rockies.
• The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last four games.

Colorado Rockies Betting Preview

The Rockies look to play spoiler after losing 6 of their last 7 games. The Rockies have the worst record in the NL at 49-81. The Rockies pitching staff is 29th in ERA (5.50), 29th in WHIP (1.50) and 27th in quality starts (34). The Rockies’ offense is 19th in runs per game (4.39), 15th in batting average (.249) and 25th in homers (131). Ezequiel Tovar leads the Rockies with 118 hits and 60 RBI, while Ryan McMahon and Elias Diaz have combined for 225 hits and 127 RBI. Austin Gomber gets the ball, and he is 9-9 with a 5.48 ERA and 86 strikeouts this season. Gomber is 1-1 with a 7.94 ERA and 12 strikeouts in his career against the Braves.

Colorado Rockies Team Facts

• The Rockies have lost each of their last 11 home games against National League opponents following a road win.
• The Rockies have covered the run line in each of their last 10 games against the Braves following a road win.
• The Rockies have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last six games against National League opponents.
• The Rockies have led after 7 innings in each of their last four games as home underdogs.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Rockies’ last five games as underdogs against NL East opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Colorado Rockies ranks 30th in the league for strikeouts this season (906).
• The Colorado Rockies ranks 30th in the league for opponent batting average this season (.282).
• The Atlanta Braves ranks 1st in the league for runs scored this season (746).
• The Atlanta Braves ranks 1st in the league for home runs this season (244).

Randy’s Pick

The Braves continue to pile up the wins, and they rarely lose games they shouldn’t. The Braves have the best offense in baseball, and that should thrive in a friendly Coors park. Bryce Elder has been solid with his 3.39 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Austin Gomber has a 5.48 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. The Rockies aren’t scoring runs. Just an all around bad matchup for the home team. My only option here is to side with the Braves and the RL for max betting value.