- When: Friday, April 5 at 4:10 PM ET
- Who: Tampa Bay Rays at Colorado Rockies
- Starting Pitchers: Zach Littel and Austin Gomber
- Where: Coors Field in Denver, CO
The Colorado Rockies are set to stun the Tampa Bay Rays in a high-altitude clash that's shaping up to be less of a run-fest than you'd think.
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Game Preview
As the MLB season rolls into another gear, the spotlight turns to Coors Field, where the Colorado Rockies are gearing up to take on the Tampa Bay Rays in what promises to be a riveting showdown.
| Moneyline |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Rays | -153 | -165 | -168 |
| Colorado Rockies | +140 | +145 | +140 |
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Coors Field? That's a run bonanza waiting to happen."
But hear me out. I'm about to explain why backing the Rockies on the moneyline is a savvy move.
Also, aiming for the Under on an expected total of 12.5 runs is the smart play.
First off, let's talk about the venue. Coors Field is infamous for being a hitter's paradise, thanks to Denver's thin air that turns pop flies into homers and homers into myths.
However, this game isn't just about altitude; it's about attitude, and the Rockies have it in spades.
While the Rays flexed their muscles early this season, the Rockies have been quietly building momentum, especially at home.
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A certain magic happens when they play in front of their crowd, a blend of support and altitude acclimatization that often leaves visitors gasping for air and runs.
Digging into the stats, the Rockies' lineup has shown signs of heating up at just the right time.
While specific player performances from the 2024 season aren't detailed here, looking at historical data for 2023 and projections for 2024, players like Nolan Jones have shown they can bring the heat at home and on the road.
Jones, who finished the 2023 season with a .931 OPS, the highest among all qualified rookies, is just one example of the firepower waiting to be unleashed.
Toglia 🔁 Tovar pic.twitter.com/7uILVPOV7O
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 31, 2024
Moreover, the Rockies' pitchers are familiar with the challenges of Coors Field.
They've developed arsenals and strategies designed to minimize damage in the hitter-friendly park.
While the Rays' hitters might be looking to exploit Colorado's thin air, they'll find Rockies pitchers ready and waiting with pitches that defy expectations.
Total Runs
Now, about that Over/Under. A total of 12.5 runs is a towering figure, even for Coors Field.
| Total Runs | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 12.5 Runs | -105 | -105 | -105 |
| Under 12.5 Runs | -115 | -115 | -115 |
Betting the Under at -115 odds might seem counterintuitive given the venue's reputation, but consider this: both teams are well aware of the challenges and opportunities that Coors Field presents.
The Rockies' pitchers are battle-tested in these conditions, and the Rays' hitters, while potent, will be adjusting to the unique environment that Coors Field offers.
This adjustment period, strategic pitching, and in-game management could keep the scoreline more modest than anticipated.
Let's not forget that baseball is full of surprises.
While the Rockies might be considered underdogs by many, they've repeatedly shown that they can rise to the occasion.
Allll the way around the horn. pic.twitter.com/fT9lPRs3PI
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 3, 2024
The combination of home-field advantage, strategic pitching, and a lineup finding its stride at the right time makes Colorado a compelling pick to come out on top.
In conclusion, while the rest of the world might expect a high-scoring affair with the Rays sailing smoothly to victory, I'm betting on the Rockies to pull off the upset.
With the stakes high and the odds in our favor, backing Colorado on the moneyline and taking the Under on a seemingly inflated total of 12.5 runs feels like the play that could pay.
So, buckle up, baseball fans. We're in for a thrilling ride in the Mile High City, where the Rockies are ready to prove that they're more than just an underdog story.
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