Red Sox vs. Rays Wednesday Pick
Following the Red Sox’ 4-2 win over the Rays last night, will the American League East rivals once again play another low-scoring game when they meet in Tampa Bay at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday?
Game Snapshot & Odds
969 Boston Red Sox (-135) at 970 Tampa Bay Rays (+115); 7.5 runs
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
7:10 p.m. ET, Tropicana Field
TV: BOS (NESN); TB (FS SUN)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Red Sox as a -135 favorite. As of this writing, 60% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Red Sox to beat the Rays on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Red Sox’ Price deals in his last start
David Price pitched a complete game Thursday, keeping the Orioles to two runs in a win. Price gave up a two-run homer to Manny Machado with two outs in the ninth, one batter away from a complete-game shutout. Even with the dinger, it was a stellar showing for the southpaw, who yielded just five hits without issuing a walk and striking out eight in the victory. With the win, Price improved to 4-4 with a 4.38 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 46/19 K/BB ratio over nine starts.
Rays’ Archer sharp in victory over Angels
Chris Archer allowed just two hits over six shutout innings in Thursday’s win over the Angels. Simply beautiful work by Archer, who struck out five and walked three on the evening. He needed this one, too, after being rocked for six runs against the Orioles last time he took to the mound. The season as a whole has largely been a frustrating one for both team and player, but very quietly,
Archer has now allowed two or fewer runs in four of his last six starts. Even with this recent run in the books, he still owns a dismal 5.06 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through his first 10 outings of the campaign. A showdown with the Red Sox at Fenway Park shows next on Archer’s schedule.
MLB Betting Trends
Boston
The Red Sox are 4-0 in the last four meetings with the Rays in Tampa Bay and are 8-2 in their last 10 meetings overall with their American League East rival.
Tampa Bay
The Rays are 3-7 in Archer’s last 10 home starts versus the Red Sox and are 4-11 in his last 15 outings versus Boston overall.
Prediction:
The under is a perfect 4-0 in the last four meetings between these two teams in Tampa Bay and is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings overall. After last night’s game barely escaped with the under cashing, I see this one hitting comfortably for bettors. You know Price is going to give his best effort against his former team and Archer is the Rays’ ace and should fare well despite the difficult challenge of facing the Red Sox’ dangerous offense.
The Pick: Red Sox/Rays under 7.5 runs