Sep 21, 2:36pm | 4 min read

Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants: MLB Over/Under Picks

MLB

Matt Zylbert

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Monday’s MLB Over/Under Bet: Getting in touch with Marquez’s road side

ANALYSIS

Colorado Rockies @ San Francisco Giants

Over/Under: 8

First pitch: 9:45 p.m. ET

TV: MLB Network

German Marquez (2-6, 4.33 ERA) vs. Johnny Cueto (2-1, 4.78 ERA)

Colorado Rockies @ San Francisco Giants Predictions

Like most Rockies pitchers throughout time, German Marquez is one that stands out more when pitching away from the hitter-friendly paradise that is Coors Field.

In fact, the fifth-year right-hander has compiled some of the more contrastingly distinct home-and-road splits of anyone. For his career, his ERA outside of Colorado (3.62) is just about a full run-and-a-half lower than it is at Coors (5.10). There’s a large difference in Marquez’s WHIP, too, when on the road (1.15) compared to working from home (1.42).

So, not only do we have Marquez right where he apparently would prefer — away from Colorado — but in a rhythm as well. Marquez has fired three straight quality starts entering this outing, and now he takes on an offense that has sputtered a bit as of late despite their outbreak yesterday. The Giants scored just one run or fewer in five of their last eight ballgames, perhaps tightening up a bit as these playoff-implication games play out.

The Rockies haven’t thrived either in their last eight contests, going 2-6 to put their postseason chances on life support. Not only that, the final eight games coming up to end the slate are all in other ballparks.

That’s something to note because — like another Rockies tale as old as their franchise history — this is a club that is far dangerous at the plate when they are the visitors. Colorado’s team .659 OPS on the road tops only four teams in baseball.

Johnny Cueto could capitalize on that. Typically, the 34-year-old and former World Series champion is someone who steps up in big games — and this certainly qualifies as one with San Francisco trying to keep hold of the final postseason berth.

Additionally, Cueto has somewhat surprisingly done well in his meetings with the Rockies throughout his 13 years in the big leagues. His lifetime 2.71 ERA against the Rox is the second-lowest such mark he’s logged versus a National League foe.

Maybe the most important aspect of Cueto’s outlook this evening is that perennial MVP candidate Nolan Arenado (shoulder) is currently sidelined. With the over/under where it’s at, Johnny Beisbol can be quite useful in a low-scoring affair.

Bet: UNDER 8 (-113)