Back the Sox vs. the Rox

The Rockies have given up, and it shows.

Now they have to travel for the final games of their season against a team battling for the playoffs and a division crown. And they have to do it against a pitcher who has put together a breakout season and established himself as the ace of this staff.

Sean Burke has been excellent for the Sox this year. He has 10 wins and a 3.40 ERA to go along with 178 strikeouts in just 167 innings. Even better, Burke has held three of his last four opponents to one run or fewer.

That’s exactly the kind of form I want to see when I’m laying a big number.

The Sox have also won three of their last four, while the Rockies are heading in the exact opposite direction. Colorado has lost four straight and 15 of its last 18 games.

And then there’s the pitching matchup.

The Rockies are throwing a starter who has been getting crushed lately, allowing at least five runs in five of his last seven starts. Sugano has also surrendered 11 runs in his last two road starts.

That’s a nightmare combination against a Chicago team that still has plenty to play for.

Yes, the line is high.

I don’t care.

Sometimes you have to stop trying to get cute with the number and look at the matchup in front of you. The Sox have the better team situation, the better recent form and, in my opinion, a massive pitching advantage.

Meanwhile, Colorado looks like a team that is simply trying to get to the finish line.

Burke has been pitching like an ace, the Sox are playing meaningful baseball and the Rockies are limping toward the end of the season.

My play: Sox moneyline.

The number may make you sweat a little, but I’m not overthinking this one. I’m laying it and moving on.

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