Orioles vs. Rays Pick
Who will take the rubber match when the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays meet up later today at 12:10PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Rays are favored at home today, as they are getting odds of -145 to win. The Orioles are getting odds of +130 to win, while the over/under total for the contest has been set at 9.5 runs.
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The pitching matchup this afternoon has Ubaldo Jimenez (4-6, 7.19 ERA) on the mound for Baltimore to face Alex Cobb (8-6, 3.57) of the Rays. Jimenez has allowed at least four runs in his last four starts and at six in each of his last two outings. This season, Jimenez has 79 strikeouts with 44 walks and a 1.61 WHIP. Cobb has been on a nice run, allowing just four runs combined in his last three starts, a total of 23.1 innings. On the season, Cobb has 84 strikeouts with 33 walks and a 1.20 WHIP.
These two have split the first two games of the series. Baltimore earned a 5-0 win on Monday night and then Tampa Bay followed it up with a 5-4 win on Tuesday. The Rays are now 52-49 overall and 28-23 at home. Baltimore is now 48-52 overall and 18-31 on the road.
The Rays took a 5-0 lead on Baltimore by scoring five runs in the second inning. They then held off the Orioles for the last seven innings. Jacob Faria earned his fifth win of the season, pitching 7.1 innings and allowing three runs. Wade Miley took his ninth loss by giving up all five runs over six innings of work. Tim Beckham had a home run and drove in three to lead the Rays on Tuesday while Welington Castillo had two hits and drove in two runs.
Pitching was the key to Tuesday’s result and should be the key again today. Cobb has been on a roll right now, limiting damage from opponents. Jimenez has been a mess most of the season and its hard to believe he continues to start games. Jimenez gives up runs by the handful and Tampa Bay should be able to tee off on him today. Look for the Rays to cruise to the victory today.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: TAMPA BAY RAYS -145