TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASEBALL SELECTION TUESDAY, AUGUST 24TH
#957 COLORADO with Marquez (-128) over Chicago with Steele at 8:05 PM EST
Off a pair of losses to the Cubs and Diamondbacks but with wins in five of their last seven games, the Rockies will bounce back in a big way in the Windy City. Chicago is on a dismal 5-21 run in its last 26 battles and the Cubbies have only won back-to-back games one time since June 27th.
Veteran right-hander German Marquez will hit the hump for the road team. In three August starts against the Padres, Giants, and Marlins, No. 48 was popped for 10 earned runs (seven of which came against San Francisco) and 14 hits in 16.1 innings of work. Marquez fanned 17 and walked four on his way to a 2-1 mark with a 5.51 ERA. Thankfully, German has been at his best with the lights shining. At night, Marquez has allowed only 35 earned runs and 69 hits in 99.2 frames. After the math, that adds up to a 9-4 tally and a reliable 3.16 ERA.
Young southpaw Justin Steele will make his third consecutive start for the home team. Matched up against the Reds and Brew Crew in his last two outings, No. 35 was slammed for five earned runs and 10 hits in 9.0 innings. Steele fanned six, walked four, and served up three home runs on his way to an 0-2 mark with a soft 5.00 ERA. Overall, with 13 appearances in the books, Justin has been nicked for eight earned runs and 17 hits in 22.1 frames. That equates to a 2-2 record with a 3.22 ERA.
There are plenty of reliable team trends that support this investment. Colorado has won four of its last five matched up against a left-handed starter and 95 of its last 141 when priced as a favorite. On the other side of Wrigley Field, Chicago has fallen in 39 of its last 52 overall, 26 of its last 35 when lined up against a right-handed starter, and 11 of its last 12 priced as a home underdog.
The Cubs check in off a rare win and they’ll go right back to their losing ways in this contest. Take Colorado with Marquez. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
TOM’S MLB GRAND SLAM GAME OF THE WEEK – 6-0 MLB RUN
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