MLB Picks: Rockies vs. Dodgers 8/23/20
Colorado Rockies (13-14) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (21-8)
When: 4 p.m., Sunday, August 23
Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Starting Pitchers: Antonio Senzatela (3-0, 2.90 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) vs. Ross Stripling (3-1, 5.61 ERA, 1.32 WHIP)
Moneyline: COL +190/LAD -220 (MyBookie – 100% Bonus up to $300 Free!)
Runline: Rockies +1.5/Dodgers -1.5
Total: 9.5
Invitation Rescinded
Two weeks ago, everyone talked about how the Rockies had bulled their way into crashing the party of the Dodgers and Padres and bringing themselves into the mix for the NL West’s top two spots after a 12-5 start. That feels like it was an eternity ago, as Colorado has now lost six in a row and nine of its last 10 to fall to a losing record and seven games back of the once and future NL West champion Dodgers as we near the halfway point of this bizarre season.
Senzatela is the latest to try to put an end to the Rockies’ woes. For the most part, he’s pitched relatively well, including in his most recent start against Houston, where he lasted eight innings and only got a no-decision because the Rockies never broke through against Zack Greinke. But he was also the man on the mound for the Rockies’ 13-7 debacle against Arizona, which saw the Diamondbacks tag him for nine hits and five runs before exiting.
More Picks: Phillies at Braves
The Fortress
There’s no other way to put this: this has been one-way traffic when the teams have met in Lon Angeles as of late. The most recent Colorado victory at Dodger Stadium came nearly 26 months ago, as the Rockies haven’t won a road game in Los Angeles since July 1, 2018. That’s a 16-game losing streak for Colorado, and there’s plenty of reason to believe that it’s going to be 17 at the conclusion of this series.
The one thing the Rockies have going in their favor is that Stripling didn’t pitch well at all in his most recent appearance. Stripling’s numbers have been trending in the wrong direction ever since the season began. The Dodger pitcher has steadily seen his innings decrease from seven innings in his first appearance to a mere three against the Mariners in his last trip to the mound.
But even in a game where Stripling gave up three home runs and couldn’t get the outs he needed, it wasn’t enough to derail the Dodgers. Los Angeles gave Stripling the run support he needed and overcame the early deficit to pull out another win. If the same happens again, it’d be just another chapter in a painful history for the Rockies.
Making Their Move
As bad as Colorado has been over the past ten days, Los Angeles has been that good. Granted, it’s a lot easier to be at your best when you’re not facing the best competition. Still, a win over the Mariners counts just as much as a win over the Athletics at the end of the season, and Los Angeles has taken full advantage of its schedule by winning 10 of its last 11 contests.
With just under half the season already gone, Los Angeles is setting itself up to win yet another division title, and the Dodgers’ recent play has been the reason. If they can keep up this pace, there won’t be anyone who can catch them.
Betting Trends
- The Rockies have lost four of their past five against the NL West.
- The Rockies have lost seven straight as an underdog.
- The Dodgers are 41-15 in their past 56 as a favorite.
- The under is 5-0 in the Rockies’ past five as a road underdog.
- The under is 5-1-1 in the Dodgers’ past seven against the NL West.
- The under is 4-1 in the Dodgers’ past five.
- The under is 6-2-1 in the Dodgers’ past nine home games.
- The Rockies are 14-42 in the past 56 meetings in Los Angeles.
Weather Report
The wind will be heading toward right-center field, as temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees with a breeze of eight miles per hour.
Dan’s Pick
There’s little reason to gamble on Colorado here, even at that high price. The Rockies just aren’t playing well enough to justify a pick here. Even though Senzatela has pitched well at times this season, he hasn’t done all that well in his past two starts, and the Rockies aren’t hitting the ball well in Southern California anyway.
It sounds ridiculous to say it, but it really seems like Los Angeles is on track to make it 17 in a row at home against the Rockies. You might want to go for the run line to avoid the juice, but I’d take Los Angeles here. Did you know that you could be paying less for odds? Imagine saving more so you can bet more? It’s the wise way to wager! Read all about this and more reasons to make the switch here on our 5Dimes Sportsbook Review!
