Rays vs. Athletics Prediction
Can the Tampa Bay Rays complete a surprising four-game road sweep of the Oakland Athletics when the two teams conclude their series at 3:35PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
963 Tampa Bay Rays at 964 Oakland Athletics
Thursday, May 31, 2018
3:35PM ET – Oakland Coliseum
TV: MLB
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new Baseball Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers, the Athletics are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -140 to win. The Rays are listed with a money line of +130 to prevail, while the over/under total has been set at 7.5 runs. The public betting for this game currently has 56 percent of the wagers going on Oakland at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Tampa seeks sweep
The Rays have won the three games in this series so far and their last five overall following a 6-0 win over the Athletics on Wednesday. The Rays are 28-26 overall and 17-13 on the road. Tampa is putting up 4.26 runs per game this season while allowing 4.19 per contest.
The Rays are going back to their reliever starter tonight with Ryne Stanek taking the mound to start the game. Stanek pitched in Monday’s game and went 1.2 innings and didn’t allow a run. This season he has a 3.24 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP over 8.1 innings. He has five walks with 11 strikeouts.
Oakland struggling at the plate
The Athletics have lost three straight, scoring just three runs in total this series. They have been held to three runs or less in eight of their last nine games. Oakland is now 28-28 overall and 14-15 at home. The Athletics are averaging 4.26 runs per game this season while allowing 4.19 per contest.
Daniel Mengden gets the start for the Athletics today. He is 5-4 through 11 starts this season with a 2.85 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. He has pitched a total of 66.1 innings this year and has 43 strikeouts six walks.
MLB Betting Trends
Tampa Bay
The Rays have won nine of their last 10 road games and four straight against a right-handed starter. They also have won seven of their last eight against AL West opponents.
Oakland
Oakland is just 3-9 in its last 12 home games and 1-8 in its last nine home games against a team with a winning road record.
Prediction:
The story of this series has been the Tampa Bay pitching. Oakland hasn’t had an answer for it through three games. While Mengden could have a strong outing today, I am not sure he will get much in run support. I will continue to ride the Rays while on this hot streak, especially with them being the underdog as well.
The Pick: Tampa Bay Rays +130