In this article, we will formulate a Rays vs Orioles prediction for this MLB game on Sunday, July 20, 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 (43-54, 21-29 Away) defeated the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets, but closed the first half of the season with a loss to the Miami Marlins. The O’s will lose the current series against the Rays after falling in the first two games, 11-1 and 4-3. In last night’s narrow defeat, Dean Kremer pitched for 7.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing one run on three hits with six strikeouts and three walks. Seranthony Dominguez took the loss.
This year, the Orioles average 4.10 runs per game (22nd in the MLB) on a .238/.304/.396 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Orioles’ staff has a 4.99 ERA (27th) and 1.41 WHIP (27th). Cedric Mullins leads the Orioles with a .218 batting average, 13 home runs, and 42 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Orioles is Trevor Rogers, who is 2-1 in six starts this season, with a 1.53 ERA and 0.82 WHIP in 35.1 innings.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Rays (52-47, 30-25 Home) were on a five-series losing streak after defeats to the Orioles, Athletics, Twins, Tigers, and Red Sox. The Rays will return to winning ways in the series against the Orioles thanks to a pair of victories in the last two days. In Saturday’s 4-3 W, Zack Littell pitched for 6.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing two runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and no walks. Edwin Uceta was credited with the win.
This season, the Rays average 4.69 runs per game (9th in the MLB) on a .259/.321/.409 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Rays’ staff has a 3.75 ERA (10th) and 1.20 WHIP (3rd). Junior Caminero leads the Rays with a .257 batting average, 25 home runs, and 64 RBI this season.
Ryan Pepiot will take the mound for the Rays on Sunday. The 27-year-old right-hander has a 6-7 record in 20 starts this year with a 3.38 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 114.1 innings.
Total Runs Facts
- Four of the Orioles’ last five day games against AL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Each of the Rays’ last three day games against AL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Orioles’ last five road games against AL East opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in four of the Rays’ last five games at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rays rank T3rd in the league for hits this season (863).
- 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 (266).
- The Orioles rank 28th in the league for hits allowed this season (895).
Rays vs Orioles Prediction
The Rays won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including three of the last four, while this season, Tampa Bay leads the series 5-4. It’s going to be a close one on Sunday, and even though I am leaning toward the Orioles, I am going with Under. Trevor Rogers allowed more than two runs only once in his six starts this season, and it was against the Rays. Since then, Rogers surrendered three runs in four starts. Ryan Pepiot, on the other hand, faced the O’s twice this year and allowed five runs in 9.2 innings. Pepiot has been solid the entire season, and I am sure he can get a quality start here.