Free MLB Picks Today: Colorado Rockies vs New York Mets 8/27/22

The Colorado Rockies (54-73) are on the road to face the New York Mets (81-46) at Citi Field on Saturday. The Mets lead the series 2-0 after winning 7-6 on Friday, their fourth head-to-head victory in five games this season. Reliever Edwin Diaz was credited with the win after throwing one scoreless inning. Mark Canha went 2 for 3 with two doubles, one run, and three RBIs in the win. C.J. Cron was 3 for 4 with one RBI for the Rockies.

ON THE MOUND

Kyle Freeland (6-8, 4.93 ERA) is slated for the start for Colorado. The left-hander allowed six runs (five earned) over 6.1 innings in his last start, a 9-8 road defeat against the Giants on Sunday. He scattered seven hits while striking out five and walking three in the no-decision. Freeland is making his first appearance against the Mets this season. Freeland made one start against the Mets in 2021, a 3-1 road loss on May 25. He surrendered one run on four hits over four innings, striking out five and walking three. For New York, left-hander David Peterson (6-3, 3.44 ERA) gets the start. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rockies. Peterson made one start against the Rockies in 2021, throwing six innings in a 3-2 home defeat on May 24. He gave up five hits and walked three, while striking out three in the loss. In his last start on August 20, Peterson took the loss on the road against the Phillies. He threw 4.2 innings and gave up three runs on eight hits, striking out six and walking two in the 4-1 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Colorado has averaged 5.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.5. Against lefties like Peterson this season, the Rockies have a .778 OPS, fourth highest in MLB. Randal Grichuk is the team’s most productive hitter against left-handers with a .924 OPS in 136 at-bats. New York is averaging only 4.8 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average. The Mets have a .697 OPS against left-handers in 2022. With a .867 OPS over 105 at-bats, Pete Alonso has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Colorado is on a six-game losing streak on the road, bringing their record to 18-41 in 2022. The Rockies have scored 3.2 runs per game away from home, while allowing 5.4 runs. New York has won four in a row in front of their home fans. The Mets are 42-19 at home this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 3.3. In the last 10 games between the teams at Citi Field, New York is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 3.4-2.5.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Rockies are fifth in the NL West, 34 games behind the division-leading Dodgers. The Mets lead the NL East by two games over the Braves.