Rockies vs Astros Predictions, Odds & Starting Pitchers (July 5)

• Houston is listed as a -230 moneyline favorite in Wednesday’s Rockies vs Astros odds
• Chase Anderson (0-3, 6.50 ERA) takes the ball for Colorado, while Houston counters with J.P. France (3-3, 3.13 ERA)
• Keep reading for the latest Rockies vs Astros predictions, odds and starting pitching analysis

It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. After a lacklustre first few months of the season, the Astros (48-38, 23-19 home) have seemingly found their stride as the page turns to the second half of the campaign.

The defending champs have won six of their past seven, and are the commanding home chalk against the Rockies (33-54, 13-30 away) in Wednesday’s MLB odds.

Rockies vs Astros Odds

The Astros are currently -230 moneyline favorites, in a contest with a total of 9.5. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 pm ET at Minute Maid Park, in Houston, Texas, with a mix of sun and cloud, and 91 degree game-time temperatures on deck.

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Colorado vs Houston Probable Pitchers

Houston’s improved play has shortened its World Series odds to +800, the fourth shortest price on the board. They’ll give the ball to rookie J.P. France, who’s pitched very well in his first MLB campaign.

France has yielded three runs or less in five straight starts, and is fresh off a month where he posted a 2.43 ERA. He scattered four hits in 7 shutout innings versus the Cardinals last time out, and draws a very favorable matchup against the Rockies bats – as we’ll discuss.

The right-hander won’t blow anybody away with his strikeout numbers, but he has been effective pitching to contact and inducing ground balls. He’s allowed a tiny .237 opponent batting average, with an impressive .297 opponent OBP.

France vs Anderson Stats

Colorado will counter with Chase Anderson, who’s been a punching bag for enemy hitters. Anderson posted an ERA of 10.80 in June, surrendering 23 hits, five homers and 22 runs over his last 9.1 innings.

Opponents are slashing .311/.384/.567 against Anderson this season, with 11 home runs. The long ball has been a problem for Anderson throughout his career, and the Astros happen to boast one of the 10 most potent lineups in the Majors.

"The guy has given up 100 home runs in his last two starts… it's been an absolute home run derby when he pitches"@Krabs_Bets giving his opinion Chase Anderson's recent struggles. pic.twitter.com/xDHwo35GII

— Not Gambling Advice (@Gambling_Advice) June 29, 2023

Just a few of Houston’s regulars in the MLB starting lineups have any history against Anderson, but each has found plenty of success. They’re hitting .500 lifetime against the 35-year-old, with a .667 slugging percentage and 1.167 OPS.

Rockies vs Astros Predictions

The Astros are ripe to rough up Anderson on Wednesday, as their recent form is excellent. Houston is averaging seven runs per game over the last week, while belting 12 home runs. Dating back over the last two weeks, they’ve cranked 20 dingers with Kyle Tucker’s four homers leading the way.

Kyle Tucker. KFT. Pay the man. Grand salami time. pic.twitter.com/6NC6Qc1mB1

— APOLLO MEDIA (@ApolloHOU) July 3, 2023

Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Jose Abreu have also gone deep three times each over that stretch, with the ladder batting .366 in his last 10 starts. The Astros are tied with Atlanta for the most runs scored over the past two weeks, while ranking third in slugging and wOBA.

Rockies vs Astros 2023 H2H Results

As for Colorado, they are the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde team depending on where they play. Catch them at home and there’s a chance they can keep pace. On the road however, it’s a different story.

The Rockies are slashing .278/.334/.442 at Coors Field. Extrapolate those numbers over an entire season and we’d be looking at a top-six lineup. Unfortunately for them, half of their games have to be played as visitors.

In games away from home, Colorado is slashing .235/.300/.363, which extrapolated over a full season would equal a bottom-three lineup. The Rockies are an NL-worst 13-30 on the road, averaging only 3.7 runs per game.

Colorado won’t catch any breaks playing in Houston, as Minute Maid Park grades out as the 11th least friendly stadium for hitters per MLB Park Factors. The Rockies have dropped nine straight contests as visitors, losing eight times by two or more runs, while getting outscored 68-29 during that stretch.

If that’s not bad enough, consider their results in Anderson’s last three outings. They’re 0-3 in those contests, with a minus-43 run differential. Believe it or not, that’s not a typo.

Pick: Houston Astros -1.5 (-110)