Colorado Rockies vs New York Mets Picks and Predictions August 7th 2024

Paul Blackburn looks to guide Mets past Rockies

Wednesday’s matchup between the Mets and Rockies is set for 8:40 PM ET from Coors Field in Denver. The Rockies are 42-72 overall and will be sending Ryan Feltner to the mound vs. a Mets club that is 59-54 and starting Paul Blackburn.

The Mets are the heavy favorite on the money line, with their odds sitting at -160 compared to the Rockies at +135. The over/under line is currently at 11.5 runs, and the forecasted temperature in Denver calls for broken clouds and temperatures in the mid-80s.

New York vs. Colorado Key Information

• Teams: Mets at Rockies
• Where: Coors Field Denver
• Date: Wednesday, August 7th
• Betting Odds NYM -160 | COL +135 O/U 11.5

The Mets Can Win If…

New York is sending right-hander Paul Blackburn to the mound today vs. the Rockies. He has made 10 starts this season and has a record of 5-2 with a 4.11 ERA. Blackburn has pitched much better on the road, coming in with a record of 3-2 and an ERA of 7.32. At home, his ERA is 1.51. In his most recent outing, Blackburn went 6 innings, giving up just one earned run and picking up the win. He has won two straight starts. So far, he has turned in five quality starts and is averaging 6.95 strikeouts per nine innings.

So far this season, the Mets are averaging 4.8 runs per game, which is 8th in the league. They have been even better on the road, averaging 5.2 runs per game. As a team, the Mets are 5th in the league in home runs and have a collective batting average of .249. Coming into the game, they have three players with at least 22 homers, with Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor both in the top 10 in the league in homers.

Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso have been two of the Mets’ top power threats this season, but both are looking to get back on track, as Alonso is hitting just .200 over his last six games, and Lindor is at .158 over that same stretch. Jeff McNeil has been one of the Mets’ hottest hitters, going 6/14 over his last five games.

• The Mets are 4-6 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Mets are 2-3 vs. the run line.
• New York has an over/under record of 3-6-1 in their last ten games.
• The Mets have an average of 4.0 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten road games, the Mets are 6-4
• Looking back across the Mets last five games as the favorite, they are 2-3
• New York has gone 2-1 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Mets have averaged 4.4 runs per game on offense

The Rockies Can Win If…

Colorado is sending right-hander Ryan Feltner to the mound today vs. the Mets. He has made 22 starts this season and has a record of 1-10 with a 4.97 ERA. Feltner’s WHIP for the season is 1.41. In his last outing, he finished with a no-decision, giving up three earned runs in six innings of work vs. the Angels. Feltner has finished with a no-decision in each of his last three outings. Opponents are batting .262 off Feltner this season. Out of his 22 starts, Feltner has nine quality starts.

Colorado’s offense has been a bit below average this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game, which is 17th in the league. They have been a better home team offensively, averaging 4.9 runs per game. As a team, the Rockies are batting .242, and they are one of the best teams in the league at putting the ball in play, as they have the 3rd best BABIP in the league. The Rockies have been one of the league’s worst teams at avoiding strikeouts this season.

Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle have been two of the Rockies’ top power threats this season, with Tovar hitting 18 homers and Doyle at 19. Doyle also leads the team with 55 RBIs. Tovar comes into the game with a team-high batting average of .280. Brendan Rodgers has been swinging a hot bat of late, going 7/15 in his last four games with a home run and five runs scored.

• The Rockies are 4-6 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Rockies are 4-1 vs. the run line.
• Colorado has an over/under record of 4-6 in their last ten games.
• The Rockies have an average of 4.0 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten home games, the Rockies are 3-7
• Looking back across the Rockies last five games as the favorite, they are 1-4
• Colorado has gone 1-2 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Rockies have averaged 3.2 runs per game on offense

The Lean

Our lean for an over/under pick would be to take the under, as we have this as the 8th lowest-scoring game of today’s slate. As for who is going to take this one straight up, we are leaning toward the Mets to pick up the win. New York comes into this one with the 7th best home run projection, and Paul Blackburn is 5th in innings pitched projection. On the other side, Ryan Feltner is our 13th ranked starting pitcher in terms of strikeouts.

Paul Blackburn may not have been the blockbuster trade acquisition that grabbed headlines, but for the New York Mets, he could be a game-changer. As the Mets continue their push for a National League wild-card spot, Blackburn’s role becomes increasingly vital. His upcoming start against the Colorado Rockies provides a chance for him to further cement his place in the team’s rotation and help them gain ground in the playoff race.

Take your MLB handicapping to the next level with our expert MLB handicappers

Paul Blackburn’s Journey to the Mets

Paul Blackburn was traded to the New York Mets from the Oakland Athletics just before the trade deadline. While the move didn’t make waves in the media, Blackburn’s first outing in a Mets uniform proved he might be one of the most underrated acquisitions of the season. His ability to deliver under pressure is precisely what the Mets need as they navigate a challenging season.

Impressive Mets Debut

Blackburn’s debut against the Los Angeles Angels showcased his potential value to the Mets. He pitched six strong innings, allowing only one run and guiding the team to a 5-1 victory. This performance has set high expectations for his upcoming starts and demonstrated his ability to be a stabilizing force in a rotation that has been plagued by injuries.

Facing the Colorado Rockies

The Mets’ next challenge comes in the form of the Colorado Rockies, a team struggling to find its footing this season. Despite their poor record, the Rockies have bright spots, particularly on defense. Blackburn’s experience and previous success against the Rockies position him as a key player in this matchup.

Previous Success Against the Rockies

Paul Blackburn has faced the Rockies once before, last season in Denver, when he was with the Athletics. In that game, he pitched six innings and allowed just two runs, earning a win. His familiarity with pitching at Coors Field, known for its challenging altitude and hitter-friendly conditions, gives him an edge as he prepares to take the mound again.

The Mets’ Current Road Trip

The Mets are currently in the midst of a 10-game road trip, with a record of 2-3 so far. They have lost ground to the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres in the NL wild-card standings, making this series against the Rockies crucial for their postseason aspirations. Blackburn’s performance will be pivotal as the Mets look to even their road trip record and stay competitive in the wild-card race.

The Rockies’ Season and Key Players

While the Colorado Rockies are far from playoff contention, currently on track for their second consecutive 100-loss season, they have standout players who continue to make an impact.

Defensive Strengths

The left side of the Rockies’ infield, featuring third baseman Ryan McMahon and shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, is a highlight for the team. Their defensive prowess is highly regarded, with manager Bud Black praising them as “Gold Glove caliber” players. This duo provides a solid foundation for the Rockies’ defense, even as the team struggles overall.

Challenges for Ryan Feltner

Ryan Feltner, the Rockies’ starting pitcher for this matchup, has faced a tough season. With a 1-10 record and a 4.97 ERA, Feltner has been unable to secure a win since April 12. Despite showing improvement in his recent starts with a 2.88 ERA over his last seven outings, he has not managed to break his winless streak. His history against the Mets adds to the challenge, as he has struggled against them in previous matchups.

Blackburn vs. Feltner: A Pitcher’s Duel

The upcoming game presents an interesting matchup between two pitchers with contrasting seasons. While Blackburn is looking to build on a successful debut and solidify his role in the Mets’ rotation, Feltner aims to end his personal losing streak and prove his worth to the Rockies.

Paul Blackburn’s Role

Paul Blackburn enters the game with a 5-2 record and a 4.11 ERA. His polished skills and prior All-Star recognition in 2022 make him a dependable option for the Mets as they navigate their injury-ridden rotation. If Blackburn can replicate his debut performance, he will be a crucial asset for the Mets’ playoff push.

Ryan Feltner’s Challenges

Ryan Feltner faces an uphill battle against the Mets, given his historical struggles against the team. His previous outings against New York resulted in losses, and he has given up 10 runs in 11 2/3 innings. Feltner’s ability to overcome these challenges will be a key factor in the Rockies’ chances of securing a win.

Mets’ Offense and Key Players

The Mets’ offense plays a critical role in supporting Blackburn on the mound. Players like Pete Alonso are crucial to the team’s success, providing both power and leadership.

Pete Alonso’s Confidence

Pete Alonso, one of the Mets’ star players, has expressed confidence in Blackburn’s abilities. His endorsement of Blackburn highlights the trust and optimism within the team regarding their newest addition. Alonso’s performance at the plate will be vital as the Mets aim to outscore the Rockies and secure a win.

The Impact of Coors Field

Playing at Coors Field in Denver presents unique challenges for pitchers due to its high altitude and hitter-friendly environment. The thin air can lead to more home runs and affect pitch movement, requiring pitchers to adjust their strategies.

Adjusting to the Environment

Both Blackburn and Feltner will need to adapt to the conditions at Coors Field. Blackburn’s prior experience pitching in Denver could give him an advantage, as he has previously navigated the challenges of the ballpark successfully. Feltner, on the other hand, will need to find a way to leverage his improving form to counteract the difficult environment.

Conclusion

Paul Blackburn’s upcoming start against the Colorado Rockies is a pivotal moment for both him and the New York Mets. As they strive to secure a wild-card spot, Blackburn’s performance could be the key to their success. With the Mets aiming to even their road trip record and the Rockies looking to build for the future, this matchup promises to be an intriguing contest.