Rockies at Cubs 10/2/18 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The 2018 MLB Postseason will get underway on Tuesday night, when the Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs square off in a winner-take-all wild card game from Wrigley Field. The Rockies won nine of their final ten games to force a tie with Los Angeles for the NL West Division lead. On Monday, Colorado missed an opportunity to clinch the division title during a 5-2 loss at Los Angeles. The Rockies managed just one hit through the first seven innings.

Twenty-five year old lefty Kyle Freeland (17-7 2.85 ERA) has emerged as Colorado’s best starting pitcher. The Rockies have won nine of Freeland’s last ten starts and he has allowed just 17 runs total over that stretch. The Chicago Cubs have won four of their last five games and finished the regular season with 95 victories. On Monday, Chicago failed to clinch the top seed in the National League and win the NL Central Division during a 3-1 home loss versus Milwaukee. Anthony Rizzo provided the only offense for the Cubs with a fifth inning solo shot. SP Jose Quintana allowed one run in five innings and did not factor in the decision.

Chicago skipper Joe Maddon will turn to left-hander Jon Lester (18-6 3.32 ERA) on Tuesday. Lester made five starts in the final month of the regular season, posting a 4-1 record with a miniscule 1.52 ERA.