Free Sports Picks

MLB Jim's Free Play: 968. Astros -1.5 Runs Houston excels in categories we like such as pitching, lineup depth and late-game stability. They should be favored to cover this 1.5 run spread versus Colorado. The Rockies offense often fades away on the road and especially away from Coors Field. Colorado simply doesn’t have the firepower to launch home runs or produce extended rallies in pitcher friendly environments. Houston has the pitching matchup advantage and the Astros lineup has more depth and discipline to take advantage early against Colorado’s shaky rotation. When this game shifts to the bullpens Houston has even more of an advantage. Houston’s bullpen is much deeper and capable of locking down leads. Colorado’s relief corps has been one of the worst in baseball. Houston has the starting pitching, lineup production, bullpen depth and home field advantage to separate.

Free Play from Doc’s Sports. MLS Take LAFC/San Jose UNDER (7 p.m. EST, Sunday April 19) This is a major Western Conference clash between two title contenders and these have been the best two defensive sides in MLS this season (along with Seattle). They have allowed a combined four goals through 14 combined matches! Not only is this a big match for Western Conference status, but this is a great test for the Earthquake to show how solid they really are this season. Two seasons ago this was one of the worst sides in MLS but they rebuilt quickly and have a great squad this season. LAFC probably has the best chance to represent the west in the MLS Cup, so San Jose will want to play well here and we think they lean into their defense. These sides are behind the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference standings, and that team has an easy matchup Friday, so both sides here will want to keep pace. These matchups have generally been high scoring, but the Earthquake are a more focused defensive side this season and we think they will treat this like a playoff matchup and dig deep defensively.