Free MLB Picks Today: Houston Astros vs Colorado Rockies 7/5/23

Hot-hitting Kyle Tucker will be looking to extend his 11-game hitting streak as the Houston Astros (48-38) host the Colorado Rockies (33-54) at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday with the home team looking to sweep the two-game Interleague series.

The Astros took Tuesday’s series opener 4-1, their third straight victory overall. Brandon Bielak threw seven scoreless innings to get the win.

Corey Julks went 4 for 5 with a double and one RBI in the win. Grae Kessinger added a solo home run. Kris Bryant was 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Rockies.

ON THE MOUND

Chase Anderson (0-3, 6.50 ERA) is slated to start for Colorado. The RHP allowed six runs over 3.2 innings in his last start, a 14-3 road defeat against the Dodgers on Thursday. He took the loss, giving up six hits while striking out six and walking two.

RHP J.P. France (3-3, 3.13 ERA) will toe the rubber for Houston. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rockies. In his last start on Thursday, France got the win on the road against the Cardinals. He threw seven scoreless innings and gave up four hits, striking out two and walking two in the 14-0 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Colorado has averaged 4.6 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.4. Against right-handed pitchers like France this season, the Rockies have a .740 OPS. Ryan McMahon is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .880 OPS in 210 at-bats.

Houston is averaging 5.6 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.7 for the season. The ‘Stros have a .722 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .800 OPS over 240 at-bats, Alex Bregman has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Colorado is on a nine-game losing streak away from Coors Field, bringing their record to 13-30 in 2023. The Rockies have scored 3.7 runs per game away from home while allowing 5.2 runs. Houston has won three in a row in front of their home fans.

The ‘Stros are 23-19 at home this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.1. In the last 10 games between the teams at Minute Maid Park, Houston is 9-1 with an average scoreline of 6.4-2.4.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Rockies are fifth in the NL West, 17 games behind the division-leading Diamondbacks. The Astros are second in the AL West, three games behind the Rangers.