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The Colorado Rockies (56-97) and the Chicago Cubs (80-74) play the 2nd contest of a 3-game series at Wrigley Field in Chicago. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rockies vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: tied 2-2
The Rockies have dropped 5 straight games, including Friday’s 6-0 shutout loss in the series opener. In fact, Colorado has posted just 2 total runs, getting shutout twice, in the past 3 games overall. The Under cashed Friday and has hit in 3 in a row for the Rox and 4 straight meetings this season with the Cubbies.
Chicago dropped the final 2 games of the previous series against Pittsburgh but came alive in the series opener for 2 homers, 7 hits and 3 stolen bases to pick up the 6-0 win. With the much-needed win, the Cubs remain locked into the final Wild Card spot in the National League, a game clear of the Miami Marlins and 1½ games up on the Cincinnati Reds with 8 games remaining.
Rockies at Cubs projected starters
RHP Chris Flexen vs. RHP Marcus Stroman
Flexen (1-8, 7.19 ERA) makes his 15th start and 28th overall appearance. He has a 1.71 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 6.9 K/9 in 91 1/3 innings.
- Last start: Loss, 5 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 11-10 home loss vs. the San Francisco Giants last Sunday
- 2023 road splits: 1-3, 9.45 ERA (33 1/3 IP, 35 ER), 11 HR, .377 OBA in 5 starts and 7 relief appearances
Stroman (10-8, 3.76 ERA) makes his 24th start and 26th overall appearance. He has a 1.23 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 in 131 2/3 innings.
- Last start: Loss, 3 IP, 6 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 2 K in 6-5 home loss vs. the Reds July 31
- 2023 home splits: 6-6, 3.71 ERA (70 1/3 IP, 29 ER), 5 HR, .196 OBA in 12 starts
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Rockies at Cubs odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:38 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rockies +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Cubs -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rockies +1.5 (+105) | Cubs -1.5 (-125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Rockies at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Cubs 6, Rockies 2
Moneyline
The Cubs (-250) will cost you 2½ times your potential return. Chicago needs this win badly, and it will get it against the ineffective Flexen. However, there is just too much risk for not enough reward.
AVOID, and look to the run line instead.
Run line/Against the spread
The CUBS -1.5 (-125) are a much better play laying the run and a half.
Chicago is in the thick of a playoff push, while Colorado is well out of it. The Cubs covered as favorites on the run line Friday, although they are still just 2-7 in the past 9 games in such situations. Still, they should be able to pile up the offense against Flexen, who has allowed north of 7 runs per every 9 innings.
Over/Under
The UNDER 8.5 (-110) is worth a look, but go lightly.
The wind will be blowing in from left field to 1st base, knocking down any potential home run balls. Still, Chicago should be able to piece together plenty of hits and offense against the very giving Flexen.
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