The Colorado Rockies (37-93) visit the Pittsburgh Pirates (56-74) Sunday to close out their 3-game series. First pitch from PNC Park is at 12:05 p.m. ET (Roku). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Rockies vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Pirates lead 3-2

The Rockies have lost 3 straight games, but won 7 of 9 contests before that. After getting shut out 9-0 on Friday in the series opener, they lost 5-1 Saturday. SP Kyle Freeland fell to 3-13 (5 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 2 HR, 3 BB, 6 K). The Rockies’ only run came from a solo shot by OF Brenton Doyle, his 14th homer of the year.

The Pirates have won 3 games in a row, allowing a total of 2 runs in the streak. DH Andrew McCutcheon hit his 12th home run Saturday and SS Jared Triolo drove in 2 runs and scored twice with a triple and a HR.

Rockies at Pirates projected starters

RHP McCade Brown vs. RHP Paul Skenes

Brown (4-2, 2.47 ERA in the minors) makes his MLB debut. He had a 1.07 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 12.3 K/9 through 120 innings between AAA Spokane and AA Hartford.

He is the Rockies’ No. 5 prospect in their systemWas drafted No. 71 overall in the 2021 draft, but missed time after Tommy John surgery in 2023

Skenes (7-9, 2.16 ERA) makes his 27th start. He has a 0.96 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 10.2 K/9 through 154 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 8 K in 5-2 home win over the Toronto Blue Jays on MondayOnly start vs. Rockies (Aug. 2): No-decision, 5 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 8 K in 8-5 loss in Denver2025 home splits: 4-4, 1.81 ERA (74 2/3 IP, 15 WR), 0.88 WHIP, 9.4 K/9 in 12 starts

Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning!

Rockies at Pirates odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:43 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rockies +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Pirates -350 (bet $350 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rockies +1.5 (+130) | Pirates -1.5 (-155)Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)Rockies at Pirates picks and predictionsPrediction

Pirates 5, Rockies 2

This is a lopsided matchup, and the odds show it. The Rockies are terrible on the road at 21-45, while the Pirates are 38-30 at home with their best pitcher on the mound against a pitcher making his MLB debut.

The Pirates should close out the sweep, but -350 odds just aren’t worth the play.

PASS.

The spread also isn’t great because you get plus odds for the Rockies to simply cover. However, 18 of their last 20 losses have been by 2 or more runs. They are 27-37 ATS in road games.

The Pirates are 38-30 ATS at home. Since -155 odds aren’t great, this would be a good opportunity to take an alternate spread at -2.5, but there was none available.

BET PIRATES -1.5 (-155).

Eight of Skenes’ last 10 starts have not reached 8 total runs. Six of the Pirates’ last 8 games have had totals below 8 runs.

BET UNDER 7.5 (-105).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.