Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays Prediction 5-18-24 Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays Prediction for this MLB Game on Saturday, May 18th at the Rogers Centre.

Blue Jays Fell Just Short

The Blue Jays scored three runs in the bottom of the 8th but they still ended up losing by a run. Davis Schneider hit a home run and drove in two RBIs. The Blue Jays are averaging 3.62 runs while their pitching is giving up 4.74 runs per game. The offense is ranked 28th in the league while the pitching is ranked 21st. There have been some struggles this season and they currently have a run differential of -1.12 which is 26th in the league. Daulton Varsho has hit seven home runs and driven in 19 RBIs. Getting the start for the Blue Jays will be Kevin Gausman who sits with a 2-3 record and an ERA of 4.95. In his last start against the Minnesota Twins, he went three innings giving up 10 hits and seven runs. 

Why the Blue Jays Will Win

• The Blue Jays have won four of their last five day games following a loss.
• The Rays have lost four of their last five day games against American League opponents following a win.
• The Rays have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight day games against teams that held a losing record.
• The Blue Jays have covered the run line in four of their last five day games following a loss.

Rays Hold On Late

Heading into the 8th inning the Rays were up 4-0 and it looked like they were in good shape. In the bottom of the 8th they gave up three runs, but they still held on for the one run victory. Richie Palacios hit a home run and drove in two RBIs. The Rays are averaging 4.16 runs while their pitching is giving up 4.78 runs per game. The offense is ranked 19th in the league while the pitching is ranked 24th.

Negative Run Differential for Rays

They have a run differential of -0.62 which is 21st in the league. They are averaging 8.11 hits per game which is 14th. Isaac Parades has hit eight home runs and driven in 24 RBIs. Getting the start for the Rays will be Zach Eflin who sits with a 3-4 record and an ERA of 3.91. In his last start against the Boston Red Sox, he went five innings giving up six hits and three runs. 

Why the Rays Will Win?

• The Rays have won four of their last five games as underdogs.
• The Blue Jays have lost four of their last five games as home favorites.
• The Rays have covered the run line in each of their last seven games as road underdogs against AL East opponents.
• The Blue Jays have failed to cover the run line in eight of their last nine home games against American League opponents.
• The Rays have led after 3 innings in each of their last three day games against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
• The Blue Jays have trailed after 5 innings in six of their last nine games as favorites against American League opponents.
• The Rays have won the first inning in each of their last three day games at Rogers Centre.

Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays Prediction

Gausman was lit up in his last start giving up seven runs against the Minnesota Twins and the Rays are going to get out to a fast start here. Rays are averaging 4.16 runs per game and they are going to go well over that number here. The Blue Jays offense is averaging 3.62 runs per game and they are going to really struggle in this game. The Rays are going to cruise to the victory here.