Colorado Rockies vs Pittsburgh Pirates 5/10/2023 Expert Picks, Previews and Analysis
The Colorado Rockies are set to begin a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday evening at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Rockies have struggled this season, with a record of 14-21 overall and a 7-12 record when playing on the road. They currently hold the last place in the NL West division, sitting seven games behind the leading LA Dodgers, and have a run difference of -35 for the season. However, the Rockies have been on a hot streak recently, winning six of their last seven games, including a 2-1 series victory against the New York Mets.
Colorado showcased their offensive prowess by scoring seven runs in the fifth inning to secure a 13-6 victory against the Mets. Their starting pitcher for the series opener on Monday evening will be left-hander Kyle Freeland, who boasts a record of 3-3 and a 3.76 ERA. Freeland has a solid WHIP of 1.10 and has struck out 26 batters while conceding 34 hits, eight free bases, and seven home runs in 38.1 innings pitched. In his last game, he pitched for five shutout innings and only allowed three hits in a 7-1 victory over the Brewers.
Colorado scored less than the expected total in 11 out of their previous 16 games and won 6 out of their last 7 matches. The Rockies lost 4 out of their last 5 games against Pittsburgh and scored less than the expected total in 5 out of their last 6 away games.
In a bid to break their seven-game losing streak, the Pittsburgh Pirates will play host to the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park on Monday night. Despite their recent slump, the Pirates remain in first place in the NL Central division, with a record of 20-15 overall and 9-7 in home games. The team will be looking to right the ship and end their recent losing skid as they face off against the Rockies. The Pirates struggled to capitalize on their opportunities in their most recent game, a 10-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, where they left ten runners on base.
Colorado Rockies vs Pittsburgh Pirates 5/10/2023 Expert Picks, Previews and Analysis
To start the series opener, the Pirates will send right-hander Mitch Keller (3-1, 3.32 ERA) to the mound. Keller has pitched 40.2 innings this season, recording a solid WHIP of 1.20 and striking out 48 batters. In his last three appearances, Keller has given up just five earned runs in 23 innings of work and will be looking to continue his strong form against the Rockies.
The Rockies will counter with left-hander Kyle Freeland (3-3, 3.76 ERA), who has pitched 38.1 innings this season, recording a WHIP of 1.10 and striking out 26 batters. In his most recent outing, Freeland pitched five shutout innings in a 7-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Rockies have won six of their last seven games, including a series victory over the New York Mets, and will be looking to keep their momentum going on the road against the struggling Pirates.
Pittsburgh scored more than the expected total in 8 out of their previous 12 games. The Pirates lost all of their last 7 games. Pittsburgh scored less than the expected total in 10 out of their last 14 games against Colorado and scored more than the expected total in 5 out of their last 6 home games.
Colorado Rockies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates. The MLB Pick for this contest is the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite missing OF Andrew McCutchen from the starting lineup due to a left ankle sprain, the Pirates will dominate this game with a home-field advantage and crowd support on Monday. After finishing 35 games, Colorado ranked 16th in OPS and 22nd in runs scored while Pittsburgh ranked 9th in OPS and 11th in runs scored for the season. The prediction: Pittsburgh will win 4-2.
MLB Starting Time: 6:35 PM ET
Location: PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: Monday, May 8, 2023
TV: SNPT, ATRM
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Pittsburgh Pirates -170
MLB Totals: 8.5
