Few teams in baseball are hotter than the Brewers, winners in seven of their last ten games. No team in baseball is worse than the Rockies, putting together a historically awful season at 18-63. Tonight, a seemingly unstoppable force will take on an imminently moveable object. Can Colorado secure a rare upset victory, or will Milwaukee continue to roll? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday’s battle between the Rockies and Brewers.
The Brewers are heavy favorites (-209) over the Rockies, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s matchup.
Rockies at Brewers prediction, preview
It’s tough being a Rockies fan. Colorado has looked miserable all year, currently on pace for an abysmal 36-win campaign. In fact, that total is the lowest through 81 games since 1904. If there’s any reason for optimism, staff ‘ace’ Kyle Freeland is set to take the mound. The left-hander’s numbers are far from impressive; over 73.2 innings, he’s recorded a 5.13 ERA and 1.53 WHIP. However, that’s due in large part to pitching at hitter-friendly Coors Field. On the road, Freeland owns a respectable 3.64 ERA. Prior to suffering back stiffness earlier in June, the 32-year-old tossed three six-inning starts while allowing three runs or less.
Fellow veteran Jose Quintana will take the hill in a dream matchup for any pitcher. The Rockies are averaging 2.98 runs per game on the road, the second-lowest mark in baseball. It helps that Milwaukee’s starter has put together another quality season. Through ten appearances, the 36-year-old owns a 2.98 ERA. Colorado has scored three runs or less in 14 of their last 20 games away from home. In comparison, Quintana has surrendered more than two runs only twice this season.
The biggest difference in this matchup is the level of quality on offense. As previously mentioned, the Rockies have looked hopeless at the plate. However, the Brew Crew have scored 71 runs over their last ten games; that’s the best mark in baseball during that time. When Freeland last faced Milwaukee on April 28th, he coughed up five runs over 6.1 innings. However, the southpaw has notched a 2.88 ERA over four career outings at American Family Field.
Rockies at Brewers pick, best bet
Best Bet: Rockies Brewers under 8.5 runs (-106)
Even against the Rockies, -209 is too high a price for the Brewers‘ moneyline tonight. Instead, a better way to approach this contest might be the total. Colorado has major issues scoring anywhere, especially on the road. Freeland, for all his flaws, has shown he can keep things close away from Coors Field. Whether or not Milwaukee dominates this matchup, it’s difficult to envision a shootout on Friday.
