Weiss’ Rockies embrace road test vs. Mets
Yes, Trevor Story continues to obliterate the baseball. Nolan Arenado remains one of the game’s best all-around performers, too. Yet the Rockies are suddenly rolling largely on the strength of their … pitching?
It’s a fact: Colorado boasts 17 quality starts in July. Manager Walt Weiss would love nothing more than to see Tyler Chatwood author another gem tonight. The righty, who leads the staff with nine victories, takes on Steven Matz and the Mets at 7:10 p.m. ET.
Handicappers at online sports book Bovada.lv still respect the hosts, giving Terry Collins’ troops odds of -160 to win. The Rockies, conversely, enter Citi Field as +145 underdogs. Currently, the over/under run total sits at 7.5.
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Already 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA in four career assignments against New York, Chatwood has to be pumped about facing a lineup that ranks last in the majors in batting average (.238). The Mets fare even worse with men in scoring position, producing at a .205 clip in those situations. If they plan to stay relevant in the wild-card race, guys other than Yoenis Cespedes (.297/.369/.566) must dig deep – and soon.
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Matz can’t ponder issues of run support, though, with Story striding to the plate. After a brief lull in May, the rookie shortstop’s back to rocketing rawhide out of the yard. Since June 26, Story boasts nine dingers and 22 RBIs. Considering the Rockies hit .255 off lefties altogether, we’re partial to the National League West in this spot.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: ROCKIES +1.5