Free MLB Picks Today: Kansas City Royals vs Colorado Rockies 6/4/23

The Colorado Rockies (26-34) are on the road to face the Kansas City Royals (17-41) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium on Sunday with the visitors eyeing a sweep of the three-game Interleague series.

The Rockies lead the series 2-0 after winning 6-4 on Saturday. Reliever Matt Carasiti threw 2.1 scoreless innings to get the win, and Justin Lawrence threw 1.1 innings to pick up his second save. Alan Trejo was 1 for 3 with one run in the win. Bobby Witt Jr. went 3 for 5 with one run for the Royals.

ON THE MOUND

Kyle Freeland (4-6, 4.22 ERA) is in line to get the start for Colorado. The LHP allowed five runs over 5.2 innings in his last start, a 5-1 home defeat against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

He was charged with the loss, giving up six hits while striking out one and walking three. Freeland is making his first appearance against the Royals this season. Freeland made one start against the Royals in 2022, a 14-10 home loss on May 13.

He surrendered eight runs on 12 hits over 4.2 innings, walking two. Right-hander Brady Singer (3-4, 7.48 ERA) will take the mound for Kansas City. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rockies.

In his last start on May 27, Singer took a no-decision at home against the Nationals. He threw five innings and gave up two runs on four hits, striking out six and walking three in the 4-2 loss.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Colorado has averaged 3.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.6. Against right-handed pitchers like Singer this season, the Rockies have a .751 OPS. Elias Diaz is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .919 OPS in 136 at-bats.

Kansas City is averaging only 3.4 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 3.9 for the season. The Royals have a .727 OPS against lefties in 2023. With a .958 OPS over 48 at-bats, Witt Jr. has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Colorado is 11-20 in away games in 2023, scoring 3.8 runs per game while allowing 4.6 runs. Kansas City has gone 8-23 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 5.9.

In the last 10 games at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium between the teams, each club has won five with an average scoreline of 4.1-4.1.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Rockies are fifth in the NL West, 10 games behind the division-leading Dodgers. The Royals are fifth in the AL Central, 13 games behind the Twins.