Rockies vs Pirates Picks, Predictions & Props (May 14)

• The Pittsburgh Pirates are home favorites in the rubber match of their set with the Rockies
• Colorado seeks its first series win in its last five series
• Read below for the my Rockies vs Pirates picks, updated odds and player prop picks

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It’s the rubber match of a 3-game set to kick off MLB”s Thursday slate, when the Colorado Rockies visit the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Colorado crushed Pittsburgh 10-4 last game, giving it a chance to win a series for the first tome since sweeping the Mets in late April, which was five series’ ago.

The books aren’t so optimistic, setting the Rockies as heavy road underdogs in the MLB odds.

Action gets going at 12:35pm ET from PNC Park in Pittsburgh, with MLB TV providing the broadcast coverage.

Rockies vs Pirates Odds

The graphic above shows the best available odds, which are subject to change

Pittsburgh is the betting favorite, getting -166 odds on FanDuel to win outright, as opposed to Colorado who have +154 odds to win at BetMGM.

Looking at the runline, taking the Rockies to stay within two runs pays out at modesst -144 odds at DraftKings, while the Pirates winning by at least two runs pays out at +126.

The total is set at 7.5 runs, with the Over getting -115 odds at bet365, while the Under is getting -102 odds.

Rockies vs Pirates Picks and Prediction

• Best Bet: Pirates ML (-180 at bet365)

Thursday features a contrast in starting pitcher profiles, pitting the traditional length of Chase Dollander against the specialized deployment of Mason Montgomery. Montgomery carries a 0.00 season ERA and a 0.50 WHIP. Averaging 1.00 inning pitched per start recently, he operates strictly as an opener.

Dollander offers a traditional workload. He carries a sharp 1.42 season ERA, though his numbers have regressed over his last 10 appearances with a 3.35 ERA. Dollander has proven he can eat innings effectively, averaging 6.33 innings per start during that recent stretch.

But a glaring mismatch emerges between the home offense at PNC Park and the visiting lineup. The Pirates rank second in the league in home batting average (.279) and home OPS (.802). Conversely, the Rockies have struggled mightily to make solid contact away from Coors Field.

After suffering a disappointing blowout loss Wednesday, the Pirates pitching staff should hold a distinct advantage in the finale, boasting a collective 3.74 ERA and limiting opponents to a .223 batting average.

The betting trends support a home victory. The Pirates have won 65.4% of their games as favorites this season, including an 83.3% win rate in that split over their last 10 games. The Rockies have managed a dismal 30.0% win rate as underdogs over their previous 10 contests.

Rockies vs Pirates Props

Chase Dollander Over 5.5 Strikeouts (+113 at DraftKings)
Despite predicting a road loss, I’m selecting Dollander in my props section, as he provides an intriguing edge in the strikeout market.

The right-hander averages a healthy 9.84 K/9 this season. Dollander has racked up at least six strikeouts in four starts this year, missing the Over by a single punchout two other times.

Oneil Cruz Over 1.5 Total Bases (+133 at DraftKings)
If the Pirates generate traffic on the basepaths, expect Oneil Cruz to be the catalyst. Cruz is slashing .262 with a .483 slugging percentage. He’s averaging over a hit per game andis tied for the team lead with 10 home runs.