In this article, we will formulate a Rays vs Orioles prediction for this MLB game on Friday, July 18, at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Baltimore Orioles Betting Preview
The Baltimore Orioles (43-52, 21-27 Away) had back-to-back series wins over the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets, but closed the first half of the season with a loss against the Miami Marlins. The O’s opened that series with a W, but the Marlins responded with 6-0 and 11-1 victories. Ramon Laureano hit a solo homer for Baltimore, while Brandon Young took the loss after allowing seven runs on nine hits with four strikeouts and no walks in 4.1 innings.
This year, the Orioles average 4.14 runs per game (21st in the MLB) on a .239/.305/.398 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Orioles’ staff has a 4.92 ERA (27th) and 1.41 WHIP (27th). Cedric Mullins leads the Orioles with a .218 batting average, 13 home runs, and 41 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Orioles is Charlie Morton, who is 5-7 in 14 starts this season, with a 5.18 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 83.1 innings.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Rays (50-47, 28-25 Home) are on a five-series losing streak after losses to the Orioles, Athletics, Twins, Tigers, and Red Sox. The Rays were swept by the Red Sox in a four-game series. In the most recent 4-1 defeat, Josh Lowe drove in the lone run for the offense, while Ryan Pepiot took the loss after allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits with three strikeouts and one walk in 6.0 innings.
This season, the Rays average 4.63 runs per game (9th in the MLB) on a .258/.320/.405 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Rays’ staff has a 3.78 ERA (11th) and 1.20 WHIP (3rd). Junior Caminero leads the Rays with a .252 batting average, 23 home runs, and 60 RBI this season.
Taj Bradley will take the mound for the Rays on Friday. The 24-year-old right-hander has a 5-6 record in 19 starts this year with a 4.60 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 103.2 innings.
Why the Orioles will beat the Rays
- The Orioles have won eight of their last nine games as underdogs against AL East opponents following a loss.
- The Rays have lost four of their last five games as favorites.
- The Orioles have covered the run line in each of their last six games as underdogs.
- The Rays have failed to cover the run line in each of their last five games as favorites.
- The Orioles have led after 3 innings in three of their last four games as underdogs.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Orioles’ last four road games against AL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Five of the Rays’ last six games as home favorites have gone OVER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in 10 of the Orioles’ last 11 night games against American League opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in five of the last six games between the Orioles and Rays.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rays rank 4th in the league for hits this season (845).
- The Rays are one of only four teams in the league to rank top 10 in both steals and batting average this season.
- The Orioles rank 28th in the league for walks this season (264).
- The Orioles rank 28th in the league for hits allowed this season (877).
Rays vs Orioles Prediction
The teams have traded victories in the past couple of years, each recording five in the previous ten H2H encounters. This season, Baltimore won four of seven meetings, including three of the last four. I am backing the Orioles to win again because of the pitching matchup. Charlie Morton has been playing well lately; he posted a 2.88 ERA in June and allowed just one run in 6.0 innings the last time he faced the Rays in a 6-1 win. Taj Bradley, on the other hand, is playing in a hot and cold form recently, and he has already surrendered 12 runs in 6.2 innings against Baltimore this season. Go with the O’s.