Pirates vs. Rockies prediction and odds for Tuesday, April 18 (Bet on more runs in this series)
The resurgent Pittsburgh Pirates continued its string of good form to start the season with a 14-3 win in Colorado on Monday night by a score of 14-3.
The 10-7 Pirates will look to stay hot against the 5-12 Rockies in the highest total of the day across Major League Baseball. Is it warranted given that the Pirates will start struggling Vince Velasquez and the Rockies will counter with Jose Urena, who has been a mess all season?
Let's check out the sky high total and find the best bet:
Pirates vs. Rockies odds, run line and total
Pirates vs. Rockies prediction and pick
Urena is arguably the worst pitcher in baseball. He has allowed 11 earned runs in 10 innings of work this season and hasn't gotten out of the second inning of two of his three starts. This is going to be a tough go for him in the hitter friendly Coors Field against a Pirates team that is top 10 in slugging percentage this season.
On the other side, though, the Pirates may be prone to allowing some runs. Velasquez has continued his struggles from Philadelphia and Chicago with Pittsburgh. He has allowed eight earned runs in 13 1/3 innings and has walked seven batters to only 10 strikeouts. While the Rockies offense is far from elite, I can't trust the Pirates starter in Colorado to show up.
Further, neither bullpen is that adept this season. The Rockies are bottom 10 in bullpen ERA and the Pirates are hovering right around the big league average.
It's a high total of 13, but I can't do anything but go over with two gas cans on the mound.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.