In this article, we will formulate a Rockies vs Pirates prediction for this MLB game on Sunday, August 3, at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Pirates (47-64, 16-39 Away) swept the Tigers, beat the Diamondbacks, and swept the Giants, and were on a five-game winning run before a narrow 17-16 loss in Game 1 against the Rockies, one of the most exciting games this year. Pittsburgh lost Game 2 as well, falling short 8-5 on Saturday. Liover Peguero had a game of his life as he led the team with three homers and five RBI, while Paul Skenes pitched for 5.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing eight strikeouts and two walks. Braxton Ashcraft took the loss.
This year, the Pirates average 3.50 runs per game (30th in the MLB) on a .233/.304/.344 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Pirates’ staff has a 3.79 ERA (10th) and 1.20 WHIP (3rd). Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with a .239 batting average, ten home runs, and 52 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Pirates is Mitch Keller, who is 4-10 in 22 starts this season, with a 3.69 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 127.0 innings.
Colorado Rockies Betting Preview
The Colorado Rockies (30-80, 16-38 Home) started the second half with series wins against the Twins and Cardinals at home, but then lost two road series to the Orioles and Guardians. Colorado returned to winning ways in a thriller in Game 1 against the Pirates, and then added one more W on Saturday, 8-5. Jordan Beck led the offense with three RBI, while Austin Gomber pitched for 5.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits with five strikeouts and one walk. Jaden Hill was credited with the win.
This season, the Rockies average 3.72 runs per game (28th in the MLB) on a .236/.295/.392 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Rockies’ staff has a 5.74 ERA (30th) and 1.60 WHIP (30th). Hunter Goodman leads the Rockies with a .279 batting average, 20 home runs, and 61 RBI this season.
Bradley Blalock will take the mound for the Rockies on Sunday. The 24-year-old right-hander has a 1-2 record in six starts this year with a 7.09 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in 33.0 innings.
Why the Rockies will beat the Pirates
- The Pirates have lost eight of their last nine games as road favorites against National League opponents.
- The Rockies have won each of their last four games as home underdogs.
- The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven games as road favorites against National League opponents following a road loss.
- The Rockies have covered the run line in each of their last seven day games against National League opponents following a win.
Total Runs Facts
- Eight of the Rockies’ last nine day games against National League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Eight of the Pirates’ last 10 day games as favorites have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Rockies’ last four games as underdogs.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in 18 of the Pirates’ last 23 games as road favorites against National League opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rockies rank 30th in the league for ERA this season (5.73).
- The Rockies rank 30th in the league for strikeouts this season (725).
- The Pirates rank 30th in the league for RBIs this season (378).
- The Pirates rank 30th in the league for slugging percentage this season (.345).
Rockies vs Pirates Prediction
The Rockies won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including three of the last four. Colorado proved to be a hard team to beat at home in the second half of the season, and this will be their third series win at Coors Field in that many series. I am backing them to complete a sweep with a W on Sunday. Bradley Blalock has been excellent recently, as he allowed only three runs in three starts (17.0 innings) for a 1.59 ERA in July. Mitch Keller, on the other hand, surrendered multiple runs in three of his previous four starts, including six runs in his last two starts. I am giving an advantage to the hosts.