Rockies vs. Marlins Sunday Prediction
Hey yo! Don’t look now but the Miami Marlins can win back-to-back series for the first time in 2018 if they can beat the Colorado Rockies in the rubber match on Sunday. Will the third game turn into a high-scoring affair after back-to-back low-scoring matchups the previous two nights?
Game Snapshot & Odds
951 Colorado Rockies (-105) at 952 Miami Marlins (-105); 8 runs
Sunday, April 29, 2018
1:10 p.m. ET, Marlins Park
TV: COL (ATTR); FSFL (MIA)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook YouWager currently list the Rockies as a -110 favorite. As of this writing, 79% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Rockies to beat the Marlins on the money line. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Rockies’ Bettis struggles for first time in 2018
Chad Bettis gave up four runs in five innings on Wednesday in a no-decision against the Padres. This game was tied at 4-4 at the end of the first, so it’s safe to say that Bettis settled down over his final four innings. Still, it’s a lackluster effort from the right-hander; particularly considering how well Bettis has pitched in his previous outings.
Marlins’ Smith strikes out 10, allows two runs vs. Brewers
Caleb Smith struck out a career-high 10 while allowing two runs over six innings in a loss to the Brewers on Sunday. Smith was dominant save for a two-batter stretch to begin the fourth inning, when Lorenzo Cain singled ahead of a Christian Yelich two-run homer. Those were the only two hits Smith allowed, and he didn’t walk a batter. It’s a shame his brilliance didn’t net him his first win, but such is life as a Marlin in 2018. Smith will look to replicate his success, with a better result, Saturday against the Rockies.
MLB Betting Trends
Colorado
The Rockies are now just 6-14 in their last 20 games against the Marlins and are 8-20 in their last 28 games in Miami.
Miami
The Marlins are 0-4 in Smith’s last four starts and are 2-8 in their last 10 home games.
Prediction:
The first two games in this series were low-scoring, with the Rockies winning 1-0 on Friday night, and the Marlins winning 4-1 on Saturday. That said, I could see both offenses breaking out slightly today. Yes, Colorado typically struggles away from Coors Field. And yes, Marlins Park is pitcher-friendly. Still, Bettis is a low-strikeout pitcher that relies on high ground ball rate and a low hard contact rate. When he misses, his mistakes leave the park. On the other side, Smith is a left-hander that DJ LeMahieu, Trevor Story and Nolan Arenado should all fare well against. With the total at only 8, I’m taking the over.
The Pick: Rockies/Marlins over 8