The Colorado Rockies (57-67) and Chicago Cubs (54-72) open a three-game series Monday. This set will mark the end of the season series which Colorado leads 2-1. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. from Wrigley Field in Chicago. Let’s analyze the lines around the Rockies vs. Cubs odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (2-9, 4.58 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 1.40 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 6.1 K/9 through 112 IP.
- Received no-decision in his last start with 2 earned runs allowed on 6 hits and 1 walk with 2 strikeouts over 7 innings in Colorado’s 6-5 win Aug. 16 over the San Diego Padres.
- Had an Aug 5. start at home against the Cubs. He allowed 4 earned runs in 4 2/3 IP with 6 strikeouts in the Rockies’ 6-5 victory but received no-decision.
Cubs RHP Kyle Hendricks (14-5, 4.04 ERA) makes his 26th start. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 6.7 K/9 across 144 2/3 IP.
- Picked up a win in his last start with 1 earned run on 3 hits and 3 walks with 3 strikeouts over 6 innings as the Cubs won 2-1 at the Cincinnati Reds Aug. 17.
- His ERA was blown up by a shaky outing Aug. 12 against the Milwaukee Brewers where he allowed 9 runs and 11 hits in just 4 innings.
Rockies at Cubs odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:20 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Rockies +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Cubs -133 (bet $133 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Rockies +1.5 (-205) | Cubs -1.5 (+155)
- Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)
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Prediction
Rockies 5, Cubs 4
Money line (ML)
The Cubs’ slump has continued as they are 2-8 in their last 10 games, including a three-game sweep at the hands of the Kansas City Royals over the weekend. Hendricks often becomes their “stopper” but he’s had a few shaky outings in the last month.
The Rockies had won five in a row before losing Sunday to Arizona. I like the ROCKIES (+110) on the road at plus money against a struggling Cubs team.
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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The Rockies have covered the spread seven times in their last 10 games, including in five of their last six. Largely thanks to an uptick in production at the plate they’ve been on a nice run lately; Colorado has scored at least 4 runs in each of its last six games.
The Cubs are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games and scored 5 total runs in their three-game set against the Royals. Bet the ROCKIES +1.5 (-205) to cover the spread as the underdogs.
Over/Under (O/U)
Getting to Hendricks early will be critical for the Rockies and for the Over. Hendricks can go deep into games and knows how to limit the damage which could keep the total runs in this game on the lower side.
However, with the way the Rockies have been hitting in the last week, I like the OVER 8.5 (-122).
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