Surging Rockies See Their NL Pennant Odds Improve from +3400 to +2000

• The Colorado Rockies have won 11 of 13 and are just a half-game back in the race for the second NL Wild Card
• The Rockies’ NL Pennan
• t odds improved significantly as a result
• But it’s the Cubs at +700 who continue to offer the most value for bettors

The Colorado Rockies continued their strongest run of the season over the weekend, sweeping the beleaguered Toronto Blue Jays to extend their season-high win streak to eight games.

Now sitting just a half-game back of the Atlanta Braves in the race for the second NL Wild Card entering an important three-game series with the Chicago Cubs, the Rockies are making significant gains in NL Pennant futures betting. A +3400 afterthought two weeks ago, they now sport +2000 odds at most sportsbooks.

Odds to Win 2019 NL Pennant

Rockies Prone to Streaky Play So Far this Season

The Rockies have taken their fans on a roller-coaster ride over the first two months of the 2019 MLB season. Winners of 91 games last year, one shy of the franchise record, the Rockies opened the campaign amid high expectations as a short +1200 bet in the NL pennant odds.

https://twitter.com/purpledinocast/status/1134710144753840129

The club stumbled out of the gate, though, posting wins in just three of 15 contests, before rebounding with a 10-2 run in late April.

The Rockies have remained streaky, enduring a 3-6 run and a four-game slide prior to the torrid 11-2 stretch that they take into Wrigley Field on Tuesday night.

Hot Bats Contributing to Rockies’ Recent Tear

Colorado has benefited from the spectacular play of Nolan Arenado over the past month. The Rockies third baseman compiled a.425 batting average in the month of May, while mashing nine home runs and 29 RBI to rejoin this season’s NL MVP race as a +600 bet.

https://twitter.com/thepopgun/status/1135959651458191360

Shortstop Trevor Story has also steadily produced, and looks to be on pace to top his career-best numbers from last season when he hit 37 home runs and 42 doubles while driving in 108 runs.

Importantly, the Rockies’ pitching staff has looked steadier in recent outings, with the club’s starters earning the win in four of the team’s past five victories. However, serious concerns remain over this club’s ability to take the next step and advance beyond the NLDS for the first time since 2007.

Rockies Feast on Weak Opponents, Struggle Against Contenders

While the Rockies’ torrid pace has lifted them back into postseason contention, their recent success has largely come at the expense of weak opposition.

The Blue Jays have quickly emerged as a tonic for any club looking to bust out of a slump. Toronto enters a three-game set with the New York Yankees on Tuesday night on a dismal 7-24 run.

In addition to the Blue Jays, the Rockies also beat up on Arizona, taking four from the also-ran Diamondbacks after winning series against the Pittsburgh Pirates and MLB-worst Baltimore Orioles.

Rockies beat Blue Jays 5-1, leaving Toronto winless on six-game road trip https://t.co/MiOOcs1PKL @Globe_Sports pic.twitter.com/b18QqYYcrs

— The Globe and Mail (@globeandmail) June 2, 2019

Conversely, the Rockies have struggled to maintain success against contenders. The club shook off their early-season slide with series wins over San Diego and Philadelphia, but were recently swept in a three-game road series with the Phillies. Colorado has also been swept by the NL-leading Dodgers, and have dropped three of five to the Atlanta Braves.

The Rockies continue to sport NL-worsts in team ERA (4.97) and hits allowed (543), and have allowed a bloated 5.15 runs per game during their current 11-2 run

Despite the recent solid performances from starters Jon Gray, German Marquez, and Antonio Senzatela, pitching remains an issue. The Rockies continue to sport NL-worsts in team ERA (4.97) and hits allowed (543), and have allowed a bloated 5.15 runs per game during their current 11-2 run.

Dates with Cubs, Dodgers Highlight Tough June Schedule

The Rox face a tough road during the month of June. In addition to six meetings with the Cubs, they have seven dates against the Dodgers, to whom they have lost eight straight.

It’s June. Which means the Rockies will have their annual “June swoon”. This tough schedule could make or break their season. pic.twitter.com/OnllTDuqwK

— McTAPIA (@rockierage117) June 1, 2019

The Dodgers have emerged as the class of the NL, powering to a 42-19 record, leaving them 9.5-games up on second-place Colorado in the NL West standings, and +150 favorites to claim a third straight NL pennant.

Cubs Still Offer Betting Value Despite Recent Swoon

While opportunity knocks in this week’s series in Chicago, which has lost eight of 11 to fall out of first place in the NL Central, it is hard to overlook the value in the Cubs’ +700 odds of capturing their first NL pennant since 2016.

The Cubs have felt the loss of relief pitchers Pedro Strop and Brandon Morrow to injury, surrendering almost 5.4 runs per game during their current swoon, while sitting second in the NL with 11 blown saves.

However, unlike a year ago, when the meat of the order was chronically plagued by injury, the Cubs’ best players have returned to being their best players. A balanced attack led by MVP candidate Javy Baez, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Willson Contreras is keeping the club among the NL leaders in team average, home runs, and OPS, not to mention run differential (+53), one of the best indicators of future success.

Pick: Chicago Cubs (+700)