The Colorado Rockies carry a five-game losing streak into this afternoon’s matchup at Coors Field. Manager Warren Schaeffer talks about expecting to win every night and fighting until the end, but the reality is Colorado just got swept by the Dodgers, extending a franchise-record 19-series winless streak against Los Angeles, before dropping the first two games of this current series against Cleveland. Sunday’s first pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. MT.
On the other side, the Cleveland Guardians are finally looking like the team their front office envisioned at the trade deadline. They hit a rut early in August, but Chris Antonetti’s aggressive moves – including acquiring players like Jo Adell and today’s starter Foster Griffin – are paying off. Cleveland has won four of its last five games, and are playing competitive, winning baseball by capitalizing on mistakes, which is exactly what a visiting team needs to do in Denver.
For the Rockies to compete this afternoon, they have to string together quality at-bats and provide some early run support. The challenge is slowing down a Cleveland lineup that knows how to manufacture runs without relying on the long ball. If Colorado avoids an early deficit, they have a realistic path to snapping this losing streak.
The Breakdown
The Rockies hand the ball to Tomoyuki Sugano today. Over his last 10 starts, Sugano has provided decent length, averaging over five and a half frames per outing. He throws strikes, issuing just 1.46 walks per nine innings in that window. But the long ball is a glaring issue. He is surrendering 2.44 home runs per nine over that stretch. He’ll square off against Cleveland’s Foster Griffin. Acquired from the Nationals at the deadline, Griffin has pitched 15.0 innings across his last three starts. He brings a high strikeout rate (9.00 K/9) but struggles with traffic and power, posting a 1.400 WHIP and yielding a similar 2.40 home runs per nine.
The X-factor in this one is which lineup exploits those home run tendencies. Interestingly, Cleveland does not rely on power to score. Over their last 10 games, the Guardians have hit just seven homers, instead stringing together base hits to maintain a .250 team average. Meanwhile, the Rockies’ offense presents a statistical anomaly. Over their last 10 games, they are hitting an abysmal .216, yet averaging 4.70 runs per contest. That production is fueled by surprising patience. Colorado batters are drawing walks in 10.5% of their plate appearances.
For Colorado to pull off a win this afternoon, Sugano has to keep the ball in the yard. If he limits the big swings against a Cleveland team lacking recent power, it gives the Rockies a foundation. Offensively, Colorado’s lineup needs to maintain that patient approach, force Griffin into deep counts, and turn those free passes into crooked numbers early.
Odds & Lines
Moneyline: Rockies +144 / Guardians -160 Run Line: Rockies +1.5 (-111) / Guardians -1.5 (-109) Over/Under: 11.5 (Over +100 / Under -121)Our Pick
The Rockies are firmly in a rut right now, making it hard to back them to keep this afternoon’s game close against a team playing winning baseball. While Sugano might limit the damage in the early innings, the late frames are where things fall apart for Colorado. The Rockies bullpen holds a rough 4.83 ERA this season. Compare that to Cleveland’s reliable relief corps and their 3.84 bullpen ERA. When the starters exit, the Guardians carry a massive advantage in run prevention.
BetMGM is showing the run line at -1.5 (-109) for Cleveland. If you are signing up to tail this play, make sure to grab the BetMGM promo code available for new users.
We cannot trust a struggling home squad that consistently bleeds runs late in games. Expect the Guardians to apply pressure in the later innings, extend their lead, and cover the run line today.
Pick: Cleveland Guardians -1.5 (-109)
Player Prop Pick
When scanning the prop market for today’s matchup, we are zeroing in on Colorado Rockies starter Tomoyuki Sugano to find some success missing bats.
Sugano is no strikeout artist. He carries a modest 5.37 K/9 over his last 10 starts. However, his volume and ability to pitch deep into games offer a mathematical edge. Sugano is averaging over five and a half innings across that 10-start span. By facing enough batters each outing, he is positioned to average roughly 3.3 punchouts per start based on his current rates.
DraftKings has his strikeout line set at an exceptionally low 2.5, offering the over at -105. All Sugano needs is three strikeouts to cash this ticket. Given his consistent length in games, this feels like an artificially suppressed number. We love the value here for a starter who regularly gives his team innings. If you are line-shopping before the game, it is always smart to leverage a Caesars promo or other available offers to maximize your return on this angle.
For more insights and the latest Rockies news, be sure to check back with us throughout the rest of the season.
Pick: Tomoyuki Sugano Over 2.5 Strikeouts (-105)
***
Sportradar Content Studio contributed to this story.
Colorado Rockies vs. Cleveland Guardians: Game preview, picks and props for Sunday Mile High Sports.
Hence then, the article about colorado rockies vs cleveland guardians game preview picks and props for sunday was published today ( ) and is available on Mile High Sports ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Colorado Rockies vs. Cleveland Guardians: Game preview, picks and props for Sunday )
Also on site :
- Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal given Alvarez green light, Liverpool turned down by Real Madrid forward, Man Utd’s new left back target
- Newcastle vs Liverpool LIVE: Isak faces hostile Premier League return after emotional Kevin Keegan tributes
- Worst start in Premier League history? Aston Villa collapse against Brighton after summer of upheaval