In this article, we will formulate a Rays vs Astros prediction for this MLB game on Wednesday, May 21st at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Rays are 22-26 this season after they split the first two games in this series by scores of 3-4 and 3-2. In their game two win, Tampa Bay trailed 2-0 late in the game, but they scored two in the eighth and one in the ninth for the win. The Rays recorded six hits in the game, and they were led by Aranda, who went 1-3 with two RBIs in the win. Tampa Bay started Littell, who allowed seven hits and two earned runs over 5.0 innings, while Rodriguez picked up the win in relief.
Prior to this series, the Rays lost two out of three against the Marlins, but did win two out of three against the Blue Jays before that. Tampa Bay has lost three of its last five games, and they are currently fourth in the AL East standings. The Tampa Bay pitching staff has a 3.88 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP and a .242 opponent batting average, while the offense has scored 185 runs with a .240 batting average and a .304 on-base percentage this season. Junior Caminero has led Tampa Bay with eight home runs and 20 RBIs, while Brandon Lowe has added seven home runs and 24 RBIs for the Rays this year. The projected starting pitcher for Tampa Bay is Taj Bradley, who is 3-3 with a 4.80 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP over 50.2 innings pitched this season.
Houston Astros Betting Preview
The Houston Astros are 25-23 this year after they lost game two by a score of 3-2 on Tuesday. Houston led 2-0 in the third inning, but they couldn’t find any more offense, and the bullpen blew the lead in the loss. The Astros recorded nine hits in the game, and they were led by Paredes and Meyers, who both had one RBI in the loss. Houston started Walter, who allowed three hits and zero earned runs over 5.0 innings, while Okert blew the save and Ort got the loss.
Prior to this series, the Astros split four games with the Rangers and won two out of three against the Royals. Houston has won three of their last five games, and they are currently second in the AL West standings. The Houston pitching staff has a 3.38 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP and a .212 opponent batting average, while their offense has scored 191 runs with a .247 batting average and a .318 on-base percentage this season. Isaac Paredes has led Houston with eight home runs and 25 RBIs, while Jeremy Pena has added six home runs and 23 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Houston is Hunter Brown, who is 6-2 with a 1.43 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP over 56.2 innings pitched this year.
Why the Astros will beat the Rays
- The Astros have won each of their last eight day games following a loss.
- The Rays have lost seven of their last eight day games against AL West opponents.
- The Rays have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven day games following a home win.
- The Astros have covered the run line in each of their last seven games against AL East opponents.
- The Astros have led after 3 innings in each of their last eight Wednesday day games as road favorites.
- The Rays have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last eight home games against American League opponents.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the last eight games between the Astros and Rays have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Each of the Astros’ last six games as favorites against the Rays have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in nine of the Astros’ last 10 games.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Rays’ last eight games as underdogs against AL West opponents.
Rays vs Astros Prediction
Houston got a great start from Walter on Tuesday night and they were in position to win, but they couldn’t hold onto the lead late in the game. The Astros are 10-14 on the road this year, while the Rays are 12-18 at home. Tampa Bay is starting Bradley, who has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his last four starts, but did allow five earned runs last time out. Houston is going with Brown, who has allowed one earned run of fewer in four of his last five starts. Brown has been elite this season and I think we are getting a good price with Houston, so take the Astros here.