The Chicago Cubs (75-71) are set to face off against the Colorado Rockies (55-92) in the opening game of a three-game series on Friday night at Coors Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:40 PM ET. This matchup is crucial for the Cubs, who are looking to grab a series lead and bolster their playoff aspirations.
Starting on the mound for the Cubs will be Javier Assad, boasting a record of 7-3 and a 3.14 ERA. The Rockies will counter with Austin Gomber, who has a 5-10 record with a 4.50 ERA.
In their last ten encounters, the Cubs have performed well, winning seven games against the Rockies.
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Cubs Aiming to Extend Road Success
The Cubs have showcased impressive form on the road over the past few weeks, clinching victories in their last four road series. They currently sit fifth in the NL Wildcard standings, trailing the Mets by five games for the last playoff spot. A win on Friday would be a significant step towards keeping their postseason hopes alive.
Chicago’s offense averages 4.57 runs per game, but their .240 batting average ranks 20th in the league. They possess a .315 on-base percentage, sitting 12th, while their .393 slugging percentage is tied for 20th. Seiya Suzuki is the team’s batting leader with a .274 average, while Ian Happ tops the roster with 23 home runs and 81 RBIs.
On the pitching side, the Cubs have shown strength, allowing just 3.71 runs per game. Opponents have a .238 batting average against them, placing Chicago 11th in the league. Their 3.78 ERA ranks eighth, and they hold a 1.24 WHIP, which is 11th. Assad’s last outing saw him give up two runs on three hits over 5.2 innings, resulting in a 2-0 defeat against the Yankees. He will need to rebound strongly to secure a victory against the Rockies.
Rockies Seeking a Winning Streak
After snapping a two-game losing streak with a victory over Detroit, the Rockies are looking to build momentum against the Cubs. A win would provide them with the series lead and boost team morale.
Colorado averages 4.17 runs per game with a .241 batting average, which places them 16th in the league. Their on-base percentage of .303 is the lowest in the league, while their slugging percentage is .397, ranking 15th. Brendan Rodgers leads the Rockies with a .270 average, while Michael Toglia and Brenton Doyle have contributed with 23 home runs and 67 RBIs, respectively.
However, the Rockies’ pitching staff has struggled significantly, allowing 5.33 runs per game, making them the worst in this category. Opponents hit .285 against them, also ranking last in the league. Gomber’s last performance was strong, yielding only one run over eight innings in a 3-1 win against Atlanta. He will need to replicate that performance to give the Rockies a chance against Chicago.
Best Bets for Chicago Cubs vs. Colorado Rockies
Recent trends indicate that the Cubs have excelled on the road, winning eight of their last nine games away from home. Meanwhile, the Rockies have struggled, losing five of their last eight games at Coors Field. Chicago’s offensive prowess has surged in recent outings, as they have scored 24 runs over their last three games. Additionally, they have had success against left-handed pitchers like Gomber, who has faced them three times without a win, carrying a 6.62 ERA in those matchups.
On the flip side, the Rockies have found it challenging to generate offense, managing only 11 runs in their last three home games. Against Assad, who has a solid 2-1 record with the Cubs in three starts and has not allowed a run in his last two outings against Colorado, they may struggle to find their rhythm. With the Cubs possessing the eighth-best bullpen in the league, they are likely to keep the Rockies’ offense under control. Therefore, backing Chicago to win is a sound choice.
