Pirates vs. Rockies Prediction and Odds for Friday, July 15 (Bet Pittsburgh as Underdogs)

A series between two rebuilding franchises gets going this weekend heading into the All-Star break.

The Colorado Rockies host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday with the Rockies looking to get their No. 1 starter German Marquez going after a poor first half that has seen his ERA climb over 5.00. Can he do it against the free swinging Pirates? Let's breakdown the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook and find the best bet:

Pirates vs. Rockies Odds, Run Line, Total

Run Line:

• Pirates: +1.5 (-160)
• Rockies: -1.5 (+130)

Moneyline:

• Pirates: +128
• Rockies: -138

Total:

• 11 (Over +100/Under -120)

Pirates vs. Rockies Prediction and Pick

The revival of Jose Quintana has been one of the most underrated storylines of this season. The lefty has thrived for the Pirates in his first season with the club, pitching to 3.59 ERA with an xERA and FIP below that mark, hinting he has been even better than his numbers are leading us to believe.

Yes, he is going to the hitter friendly Coors Field and is facing a Rockies lineup that is second in the bigs at hitting lefties, but I like Quintana's chances with his ability to generate soft contact. He has a home run to flyball rate of 8.2%.

Meanwhile the same can't be said for Marquez. He has allowed the most earned runs in baseball this season (61) and has an ERA sitting at 5.66. He has particularly struggled with allowing home runs (18) which is inside top 10 in baseball. This can be problematic against the Pirates, who are eighth in baseball in big flys dating back to the beginning of June (57).

Sure, there's concern for Quintana against a team in the Rockies who destroy southpaws, but I can't justify Marquez being this price. Let's back Pittsburgh to show up as underdogs.

PICK: Pirates +124

Track all of Reed's bets at Betstamp HERE!