Houston vs. Colorado (Under 16.5)
(MLB) Houston vs. Colorado,
Total: 16.50 | 110.00 Under
Result: Win
Read my full game preview of Saturday's Mexico City Series showdown between Houston and Colorado on our website!

Wondering why the total is so high? Sure, both of these pitching staffs have performed poorly in 2024, but that's not the whole story. The main culprit is the elevation. Mexico City is 7,349 feet above sea level, or more than 2,000 feet higher than Denver, which should result in plenty of home runs. In last year's Mexico City Series, San Francisco and San Diego combined for 11 home runs, 30 hits, and 27 runs in game one alone!

With that said, I disagree with the total being so high and feel more comfortable wagering on the under. As I mentioned, the Giants and Padres put on a show in the first game of last season's Mexico City Series, but it didn't last. In game two, the teams combined for a more modest ten runs, as San Francisco hit three long balls and San Diego hit only one in a 6-4 Padres win. 

While Houston and Colorado have struggled on the mound this season, both of Saturday's starting pitchers have fared well recently. Cal Quantrill hasn't faced Houston since 2022, but he held them to two total runs in his two outings that season (12.0 IP). Furthermore, he has a 2.75 ERA in five career appearances versus Houston. As long as one of tomorrow's starting pitchers doesn't get rocked, the elevation won't be enough to push the total over. Besides, it's not as if the Rockies aren't used to it!