Baseball Predictions – Marlins vs Rockies

Two teams looking to get hot will do battle in Friday night’s baseball betting odds. That’s when the Florida Marlins will head out west to take on the Colorado Rockies.

Florida Marlins (9-7 SU, 6-10 R/L, 11-5 O/U) at Colorado Rockies (8-8 SU, 9-7 R/L, 7-8-1 O/U)

Friday, April 23: 9:10 p.m.

MLB Betting Odds:

Florida: -1 ½, +160, -105
(Ricky Nolasco-R)

Colorado: +1 ½, -190, -115
(Greg Smith-L)

Total Runs:

Over 9 ½: -120

Under 9 ½: Even

Colorado returns home after a tumultuous road trip that saw them lose four of six games to Atlanta and Washington.

If the Rockies are to get going, they’ll need to score a few more runs than they have been recently, as they scored just six runs in the last two games of their road trip. In Thursday’s loss to the Nationals, the Rockies mustered just four hits total. Early on, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is struggling, as the big slugger is hitting just .277 with one home run. This off a 32 homer season a year ago.

The Rockies should get some relief as they send Greg Smith to the mound, a crafty lefty who has been good in his last two starts. After struggling in his opener, Smith has calmed quite a bit, as he’s allowed just four runs in his last two combined appearances. An important note is that Smith does tend to get a bit wild, as he was credited with seven walks in his last outing.

As for Florida, they come into this game as one of the most surprisingly explosive offensive lineups in the league, as they average 5.12 runs a game (Ranked 7th in the majors). We all knew shortstop Hanley Ramirez was going to be good, and he is batting .306 on the year. What has caught many observers by surprise is the depth in this lineup, as Cameron Maybin, Jorge Cantu and Cody Ross have provided unexpected pop. As things stand entering this one, Cantu is second in the National League with 18 RBI.

On top of this potent offense, the Marlins will also send their best pitcher to the mound in Friday night’s betting odds. That’d be righty Ricky Nolasco, who has been lights out so far this season. His last start was especially effective, as he pitched a complete game against the Phillies, scattering five hits and giving up just one earned run.

And it’s because of Nolasco that the Marlins should be your play in the betting odds Friday. Nolasco is a hard thrower, but also a guy who has excellent control and command. On the other side is Smith who has excellent stuff, but also has a tendency to get a little wild.

There are a lot of surprises early on in the majors this season, but don’t be surprised by Florida. They’re for real. Make them your play Friday night.

Aaron’s Pick: Florida -1 ½