Get Expert Player Predictions for Rockies vs Pirates – Friday August 22, 2025

Colorado Rockies

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Pittsburgh Pirates

As the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Colorado Rockies on August 22, 2025, both teams find themselves mired in disappointing seasons. The Pirates sit at 54-74, while the Rockies languish even lower at 37-91. With neither team contending for a playoff spot, this matchup is more about pride and development as the season wanes.

In their previous game, the Pirates edged out the Rockies 2-1, continuing their struggle but also showing flashes of competitive spirit. The Rockies, on the other hand, have been reeling after losing their last match 9-5, further highlighting their struggles this season.

Pittsburgh’s Braxton Ashcraft is set to take the mound, and he brings a mixed bag of results to the game. While he carries an impressive ERA of 3.02, he has been somewhat fortunate, as indicated by his higher xFIP of 3.66. Ashcraft’s recent performance shows promise, having pitched well in his last start on August 15, allowing just 1 earned run over 5 innings. However, his projected stats for today’s game reflect some concerns, as he is forecasted to pitch only 4.9 innings while allowing 2.0 earned runs and 4.8 hits.

In contrast, Colorado’s Antonio Senzatela has had a rough road, posting a dreadful ERA of 7.00. Although his peripherals suggest some bad luck, the fact remains that he’s been one of the worst pitchers in MLB this season. Senzatela’s projection of allowing 2.8 earned runs over 4.4 innings, coupled with a high walk rate, doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Offensively, both teams have struggled, with the Pirates ranking 30th in runs scored and the Rockies at 25th. Despite their offensive woes, the Pirates are favored in this matchup with a moneyline of -215, reflecting a higher implied team total of 5.01 runs compared to the Rockies’ low 3.49 runs. If the Pirates can capitalize on Senzatela’s struggles, they could secure a much-needed win amidst another challenging season.

Colorado Rockies Insights

• The leading projection system (THE BAT X) forecasts that the Colorado Rockies will score 4.12 runs on average in this matchup: the 5th-least of all teams in action today.
  Explain: THE BAT X is a highly sophisticated projection system that accounts for a multitude of factors like player quality, ballpark, weather, umpire, defense, and more.

Pittsburgh Pirates Insights

• The Pittsburgh Pirates have been the unluckiest offense in the game this year, according to the leading projection system (THE BAT X), and are likely to perform better in future games
  Explain: When teams underperform their projected talent level, markets may undervalue them even while they are likely to perform better in the near future.

Betting Trends

• Pittsburgh Pirates – Over/Under 4.5 Team Total (-130/+100)
  The Pittsburgh Pirates have hit the Team Total Under in 73 of their last 119 games (+23.15 Units / 17% ROI)
• Colorado Rockies – Over/Under 3.5 Team Total (+105/-135)
  The Colorado Rockies have hit the Team Total Under in 71 of their last 123 games (+11.47 Units / 8% ROI)