How’s another 33 runs sound? Anyone? Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Sunday afternoon baseball game between the Rockies and the Pirates.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Rockies vs. Pirates prediction, preview
Mitch Keller’s 3.69 ERA and 15 quality starts scream “stopper” even in thin air. He’s punched out 25 percent of batters with his cutter/curve mix, and despite a recent hiccup, he’s navigated Coors in the past. His 20 outings of five-plus innings prove resilience. Opposing him is rookie Bradley Blalock, a 7.09 ERA experiment who lasted six scoreless against Cleveland but otherwise averages 4.1 innings and 5.6 walks per nine. At altitude, his heater will float, and Coors hitters will feast.
Pittsburgh’s lineup has already shown Coors mastery. Bryan Reynolds enters with a .361 wOBA and a .500 average against Blalock’s curveball. Andrew McCutchen still wields a veteran’s patience, drawing walks at a 10.3 percent clip that will test Blalock’s shaky command. Ke’Bryan Hayes brings a .330 xwOBA versus southpaws. Their bats erupted for seven runs Friday and five Saturday, even when Keller sputtered. This slate of young stars and seasoned vets won’t hesitate to tag a rookie pitcher on a short leash.
Colorado’s offense glimmers only occasionally. Hunter Goodman boasts a .519 SLG at Coors, while Jordan Beck slugs .300 ISO here. Corbin Carroll still carries MVP buzz after 28 homers, but he managed just two hits Saturday. Their lineup has underdelivered all season and folded in eight of their last ten games. They’re 27–77 as underdogs, and Coors’ boost isn’t enough to overcome their overall futility.
Bullpens won’t save Colorado. Their relief crew sits 27th in WHIP, leaking runs at alarming rates. Pittsburgh’s pen ranks 21st in ERA but will only see duty if Keller’s pitch count spikes. In a game stacked for offense, fresh arms rarely stem the tide.
Pirates vs. Rockies pick, best bet
Keller’s established track record against Coors’ challenges gives Pittsburgh the edge. Blalock’s single, fluky gem can’t counteract his overall inconsistency in hitter’s heaven. I see something like a a 6–3 final, with Pittsburgh snapping the series and avoiding the sweep. That score carries only nine runs—not enough to vault over Coors’ oxygen-starved total threshold, but it still favor the visitors.
Fundamentals matter here. The Pirates’ veterans know how to work counts, seize free bases, and capitalize on rookie mistakes. Colorado’s hitters will press early, chasing Keller’s cutter out of the zone, which leads to quick strikeouts. Then Keller settles in, neutralizing threats. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s lineup will tee off on Blalock’s heat, building early leads they never relinquish.
I’m locking in Pirates moneyline at -155. This lineup’s proved it can perform in Coors’ cathedral of hits, and Keller’s quality start potential outweighs any Coors curse. Sunday’s altitude won’t lift Colorado’s flailing offense enough to topple a road dog primed for an upset. Give me Pittsburgh to claim the series finale and charge home with momentum.
Best bet: Pirates (-155) at Rockies
Tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
