Los Angeles Dodgers vs Colorado Rockies Analysis<\/h2>\n
The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Colorado Rockies in the first of an extended six-game series to end the regular season.<\/p>\n
The Rox lost three straight to the Giants in San Francisco, and the Dodgers took two of three from the Padres in Petco Park. Chad Kuhl and Clayton Kershaw are the starters, and first pitch is set for 10:10 PM EDT \/ 7:10 PDT in Dodger Stadium.<\/p>\n
Kuhl Can’t Get Passed Hitters<\/h3>\n
The Rockies are playing out the regular season string this last week of the season. Colorado has been able to hit for average and score runs this year, but the pitching has been the usual suspect for the Rox lack of success.<\/p>\n
Chad Kuhl was a sinker-ball specialist brought in to be a reliable 4th or 5th starter, but hasn’t performed that well – especially against the Dodgers.<\/p>\n
For the season, the right-hander has a 6-10 record with a 5.45 ERA and 1.51 WHIP, with 108 strikeouts and 133 innings.<\/p>\n
Kuhl hasn’t been able to miss enough bats, with an Opponents’ Batting Average of .278. That’s a big problem going against the Dodgers, who have one of the best lineups in MLB.<\/p>\n
The Rockies’ hitting has been good with a 6th best team batting average and scoring 4.42 runs per game. C.J. Cron has been the main source of long-ball power for Rox, and only four other teammates have over 10 home runs this year. And Colorado is just 23rd in team OPS versus left-handers away from Coors Field.<\/p>\n
Kershaw Poised For Postseason<\/h3>\n
Clayton Kershaw may not be at the peak of his pitching powers, but he’s still pretty darn good. The veteran southpaw has a 3-1 record, 2.29 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP in his last seven starts.<\/p>\n
For the season he has a 10-3 record, 2.42 ERA plus a 0.95 WHIP in 20 starts and 115.1 innings. Although the Rockies have hit left-handers well this season with a 4th best OPS, they don’t hit as well on the road.<\/p>\n
Big Blue has one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, with the lowest team ERA of 2.80 and second lowest bullpen ERA. They also have the best team OPS, 5th best team average and home run total. These are the reasons why they have the best record in MLB at 108-48.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Colorado Rockies Prediction<\/h2>\n
The Dodgers have an edge in every team category, and want to maintain momentum into the playoffs. It’s a simple analysis and pick, and one I will be eager to bet on my mobile app. Hammer the Dodgers on the run line.<\/p>\n
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers Run Line Run Line -1.5 (-170)<\/strong><\/p>\n \n Join Drew Martin and a rotating panel of guests for First Pitch as we break down the daily baseball slate from a betting perspective. Join WagerTalk’s team of MLB betting experts every weekday at 1:45pm ET \/ 10:45am PT for First Pitch as we discuss the baseball betting slate.<\/p>\nFirst Pitch | MLB Predictions for Friday, September 30<\/h3>\n
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