The Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles clash Thursday in game 1 of an MLB series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview
The Rays look to stay hot after winning 8 of their last 11 games. The Rays are 2 games back in the AL East. The Rays pitching staff is 2nd in ERA (3.78), 1st in WHIP (1.17) and 16th in quality starts (48). The Rays’ offense is 4th in runs per game (5.31), 7th in batting average (.258) and 4th in homers (210). Yandy Diaz leads the Rays with 157 hits and 73 RBI, while Randy Arozarena and Wander Franco have combined for 255 hits and 137 RBI. Aaron Civale gets the ball, and he is 7-3 with a 2.96 ERA and 98 strikeouts this season. Civale is 2-0 with a 7.36 ERA and 6 strikeouts in his career against the Orioles.
Tampa Bay Rays Team Facts
- The Rays have lost each of their last eight games as underdogs against AL East opponents following a win.
- The Rays have covered the run line each of their last seven night games against teams that held a winning record.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Rays’ last three night games against AL East opponents.
- The Rays have led after 3 innings in three of their last four games as underdogs against AL East opponents.
Baltimore Orioles Betting Preview
The Orioles need a win after losing 3 of their last 4 games. The Orioles have a 2 game lead in the AL East. The Orioles pitching staff is 13th in ERA (4.04), 12th in WHIP (1.27) and 9th in quality starts (62). The Orioles’ offense is 6th in runs per game (5.11), 6th in batting average (.258) and 16th in homers (170). Adley Rutschman leads the Orioles with 144 hits and 70 RBI, while Anthony Santander and Austin Hays have combined for 272 hits and 145 RBI. Kyle Bradish gets the ball, and he is 11-6 with a 3.03 ERA and 145 strikeouts this season. Bradish is 1-2 with a 6.53 ERA and 21 strikeouts in his career against the Rays.
Baltimore Orioles Team Facts
- The Orioles have won each of their last eight night games against American League opponents.
- The Orioles have covered the run line each of their last 16 Thursday games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Orioles have trailed after 5 innings in three of their last four games as favorites.
- The Orioles have trailed after 7 innings in three of their last four games as favorites.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Orioles’ last eight night games against American League opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Baltimore Orioles ranks 3rd in the league for doubles this season (281).
- The Baltimore Orioles ranks 6th in the league for runs scored this season (741).
- The Tampa Bay Rays ranks 1st in the league for home runs allowed this season (156).
- The Tampa Bay Rays ranks 1st in the league for runs allowed this season (582).
Randy’s Pick
The Orioles should be favored because they’re at home, and they haven’t strung together losses much all year. The O’s have also made bettors money all year, so I wouldn’t talk you off the ledge if leaning in that direction. However, this is a massive series in terms of who wins the AL East and plus money with the Rays and Aaron Civale is appealing. Civale has been sharp all year with a 2.96 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, and he’s even better on the road with a 2.03 ERA and .238 allowed batting average. Give me the road dog.
