Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, MLB Picks, MLB Free Picks, MLB Predictions 4/18/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, MLB Picks, MLB Free Picks, MLB Predictions 4/18/26

LA DODGERS @ COLORADO (LAD -308, 11.5)

MLB ODDS, MLB PREDICTIONS, MLB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK MLB PREVIEWS

DODGERS @ ROCKIES 4/18/26

The Los Angeles Dodgers (15-4) continue their series against the Colorado Rockies (7-13) at Coors Field tonight. After a dominant 7-1 victory in the opener, the Dodgers look to maintain their status as the hottest team in baseball, while the Rockies aim to snap a stretch where they have lost seven of their last eight games.

Tonight’s matchup features a significant pitching mismatch and unique environmental factors, including potential snow, that could impact the typical high-scoring nature of Coors Field.

The Dodgers are heavy favorites, and for good reason. They lead the majors in runs per game (5.8) and team ERA (3.19). LA also has the best record in baseball at 15-4. The Rockies, meanwhile, rank 23rd in scoring (3.95 runs/g) and have struck out more than any other team in the league (194 times). While the moneyline price is steep, the talent gap is reflected in the Dodgers' +52 run differential.

The game total is set at 11.5 at most books. While Coors Field is notoriously hitter-friendly (115 Park Factor), tonight’s weather is a major factor. Weather reports of snow and cold and that dense air can suppress ball flight, potentially keeping this game under the high total despite the pitching vulnerabilities of Ryan Feltner.

The Dodgers are currently the most complete team in baseball. Emmet Sheehan gets the start for LA, and while his season ERA is 6.60, he has historically dominated at Coors Field. In September 2025, he threw 7 innings of 1-run ball with 9 strikeouts in this park. Conversely, Rockies starter Feltner has struggled significantly, posting a 7.30 ERA so far this season and allowing 5 earned runs in just 2.2 innings the last time he faced this Dodgers lineup.

Feltner has allowed right-handed batters to slash .424/.500/.848 against him this season. The Dodgers' lineup is loaded with right-handed power like Andy Pages, Teoscar Hernandez, and Will Smith. Speaking of Hernández, he has been a nightmare for Feltner. In 8 career plate appearances against the Rockies' right-hander, Hernández is hitting .500 with a 1.000 OPS. He has hit the over on his runs prop in 50% of his last 6 road games and is part of an offense that is averaging nearly 6 runs per contest. Hernandez Over 0.5 Runs at -130 is a solid play.

Pages has been one of the most productive hitters in the league over the last month, posting a 1.144 OPS over the last 28 days. He has been particularly lethal against right-handed pitching, slashing .431/.463/.706 against them. Facing Feltner, who has been crushed by righties this year, Pages is in a prime position to drive in runs. He has a team-high 21 RBIs this season, averaging 1.1 per game, and you can get Pages Over 0.5 RBIs at +130.

If you are looking for a pitching prop, Feltner Under 3.5 Strikeouts is worth a look. While Feltner has hit the over in 80% of his last 5 games, the Dodgers are a disciplined team that ranks 18th in strikeout rate, meaning they don't swing and miss often. In his career against the current Dodgers roster, Feltner has a meager 11.6% strikeout rate. He lasted only 2.2 innings in his last start against them, and if he gets chased early again, he won't have the volume to reach 4 strikeouts. In his career against the Dodgers, Feltner has just 8 Ks in 69 plate appearances.

While we see a more Coors-like total at 11.5 tonight, getting there could be an issue. Cold, snowy conditions significantly suppress the "Coors Effect." The Dodgers' pitching staff has the 2nd best ERA in baseball (3.19), and Sheehan has a history of deep, low-scoring outings in Denver. Don’t forget, LA ranks 1st in the majors in defensive efficiency (74.9%) and Colorado is averaging only 3.80 runs per game. which is 29th in the league.

Get free MLB Picks and MLB Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2026 MLB schedule from the YLose.com  crew, one of the industry's largest networks of premier expert MLB handicappers. YLose.com has been bringing the MLB betting community the best MLB free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best MLB moneyline and point spread odds and game totals.

FREE PICK: EMMET SHEEHAN OVER 5.5 STRIKEOUTS

Sheehan has a solid history against the Rockies and at Coors Field. He’s faced the Rockies four times, three of which were in Colorado. He is a perfect 4-0 with a 3.75 ERA. More importantly, Sheehan misses a lot of Colorado bats. In 24 innings vs. the Rockies, Sheehan has 31 Ks. This season, he has gone Over 5.5 Ks in 2 of his 3 starts. At the end of last season, Sheehan went Over this number in 6 of his last 7 starts, two of which were against the Rockies. In the game at Colorado, Sheehan pitched 6 innings and struck out 7. Colorado ranks dead last in MLB averaging 10.2 strikeouts per game. They whiffed 10 times last night.

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