In this article, we will formulate a Mets vs Rays prediction for this MLB game on Saturday, June 14, at Citi Field in Queens, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Rays (37-32, 14-12 Away) were unbeaten for six consecutive series, but lost the most recent one to the Boston Red Sox despite winning Game 1. The Rays also won Game 1 of the current series against the New York Mets, 7-5. Jake Mangum and Danny Jensen led the offense with two RBI apiece, while Taj Bradley pitched for 4.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing five runs (none earned) on four hits with five strikeouts and four walks. Eric Orze was credited with the win.
This year, the Rays average 4.46 runs per game (11th in the MLB) on a .247/.312/.391 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Rays’ staff has a 3.49 ERA (7th) and 1.17 WHIP (4th). Junior Caminero leads the Rays with a .245 batting average, 15 home runs, and 41 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Rays is Drew Rasmussen, who is 5-4 in 13 starts this season, with a 2.22 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 69.0 innings.
New York Mets Betting Preview
The New York Mets (45-25, 27-8 Home) are undefeated in the last six series. During that span, the Mets beat the Dodgers, swept the Rockies twice, and swept the Nationals in the previous series. Following a six-game winning streak, the Mets lost 7-5 to the Rays in Game 1 of this series. Starling Marte led the offense with three RBI, while Clay Holmes pitched for 5.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing one hit on three hits with three strikeouts and two walks. Max Kranick took the loss.
This season, the Mets’ average 4.63 runs per game (8th in the MLB) on a .248/.332/.423 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Mets’ staff has a 2.86 ERA (1st) and 1.23 WHIP (13th). Pete Alonso leads the Mets with a .298 batting average, 17 home runs, and 63 RBI this season.
Tylor Megill will take the mound for the Mets on Saturday. The 29-year-old right-hander has a 5-4 record in 13 starts this year with a 3.76 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 64.2 innings.
Why the Rays will beat the Mets
- The Rays have won five of their last six games as underdogs against the Mets.
- The Mets have lost five of their last seven games as favorites against American League opponents.
- The Mets have failed to cover the run line in each of their last 14 games as home favorites against AL East opponents following a home loss.
- The Rays have covered the run line in 12 of their last 13 road games against teams that held a winning record.
Total Runs Facts
- Five of the Mets’ last six games as favorites against AL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Four of the Rays’ last five day games against NL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Rays’ last eight games as road underdogs.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the last seven games between the Rays and Mets at Citi Field.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Mets rank 2nd in the league for home runs allowed this season (50).
- The Mets rank 3rd in the league for walks this season (260).
- The Rays rank 2nd in the league for walks allowed this season (185).
- The Rays rank T26th in the league for home runs allowed this season (90).
Mets vs Rays Prediction
The Rays won eight of the previous ten H2H encounters, including the last four. I believe the Rays have a slight advantage in this one because of the pitching matchup. Drew Rasmussen has been fantastic recently, allowing two runs in his last five starts, four of which were shutouts. He posted a 1.98 ERA in May. Tylor Megill, on the other hand, surrendered multiple runs in seven of his previous eight starts. I think the Rays will score 3+ off Megill here. Go with Tampa Bay.