Cubs vs. Rockies Prediction and Odds for Sunday, April 17 (Gomber's Struggles to Continue Against Cubs)
By Joe Summers
The 6-2 Colorado Rockies host the 4-4 Chicago Cubs today in hopes of earning a series victory. After dropping the first game of the four-game set 4-2, the Rockies pulled off two straight wins heading into today's finale.
Drew Smyly is tasked with salvaging a series split for the Cubs today. Smyly was fantastic in his first start of the season, holding the Pirates scoreless over five innings while only allowing three hits.
Colorado will counter with Austin Gomber, who surrendered three runs in 4.2 innings against the Rangers in his 2022 debut.
Can the Rockies' bats stay hot to earn a third straight victory or will Chicago notch a win behind a strong performance from Smyly?
Let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to help us find out ahead of this Cubs vs Rockies matchup:
Cubs vs Rockies Odds, Run Line and Total
Run Line:
- Cubs: +1.5 (-165)
- Rockies: -1.5 (+135)
Moneyline:
- Cubs: +112
- Rockies: -122
Total:
- 11.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Cubs vs Rockies Prediction and Pick
Smyly has had mixed results as a starter in his career, but it's hard to argue with the results from his first start against the Pirates:
He needs to generate more swings and misses, but the weak contact he generated is repeatable. Preventing hard contact is paramount to success at Coors Field, and the Cubs need his best stuff today to slow down a Rockies' offense that ranks third in the league in OPS so far this year.
Gomber, on the other hand, really struggled to close 2021 and wasn't much better in his first start of this young season. Over his final four starts of last year, Gomber allowed 17 earned runs in just 18 innings, including five in 4.2 innings against this Cubs squad.
The Rockies' have the second-best bullpen ERA in the sport in 2022, but Chicago's has been great too. I think Smyly builds off his strong performance to keep Colorado's bats at bay before handing it off to a capable Cubs bullpen.
Give me the road underdog to salvage a series split as Gomber continues to struggle.
Pick: Cubs ML+112
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.