In this article, we will formulate a Rays vs White Sox prediction for this MLB game on Tuesday, July 22, at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Chicago White Sox Betting Preview
The Chicago White Sox (36-65, 15-36 Away) opened the second half of the season with their first sweep of the year by beating the Pittsburgh Pirates in three games on the road. This fine form continued on Monday, as the White Sox secured an 8-3 victory in Game 1 against the Rays. Brooks Baldwin led the offense with three RBI, while Sean Burke pitched for 4.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing two runs (none earned) on three hits with five strikeouts and four walks. Tyler Gilbert was credited with the win.
This season, the White Sox average 3.63 runs per game (27th in the MLB) on a .224/.298/.353 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the White Sox’s staff has a 4.04 ERA (19th) and 1.37 WHIP (25th). Miguel Vargas leads the White Sox with a .223 batting average, 12 home runs, and 40 RBI this season.
Davis Martin will take the mound for the White Sox on Tuesday. The 28-year-old right-hander has a 2-7 record in 13 starts this year with a 3.79 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 80.2 innings.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Rays (52-49, 30-27 Home) were swept by the Red Sox in the final series of the first half, but answered with a series victory against the Orioles. Tampa Bay opened this series against the White Sox with a surprising 8-3 defeat last night. Taylor Walls led the offense with two RBI, while Shane Baz took the loss after allowing eight runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and two walks in 4.0 innings.
This year, the Rays average 4.65 runs per game (9th in the MLB) on a .257/.320/.405 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Rays’ staff has a 3.80 ERA (11th) and 1.20 WHIP (3rd). Junior Caminero leads the Rays with a .259 batting average, 25 home runs, and 65 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Rays is Drew Rasmussen, who is 7-5 in 19 starts this season, with a 2.86 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 91.1 innings.
Why the Rays will cover
- The White Sox have lost eight of their last nine night games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Rays have won seven of their last nine games against American League opponents following a home loss.
- The White Sox have failed to cover the run line in five of their last six games against American League opponents following a win.
- The Rays have covered the run line in six of their last eight games against AL Central opponents following a loss.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the White Sox’s last four night games as underdogs have gone OVER the total runs line.
- Four of the Rays’ last five games after playing the previous day have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the last seven night games between the White Sox and Rays.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the White Sox’s last five games against AL East opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rays are one of only four teams in the league to rank top 10 in both steals and batting average this season.
- The Rays rank 4th in the league for walks allowed this season (281).
- The White Sox rank 29th in the league for slugging percentage this season (.353).
- The White Sox rank 29th in the league for strikeouts this season (729).
Rays vs White Sox Prediction
The White Sox won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, including the last two. I was surprised by last night’s outcome as I surely didn’t expect the Rays to lose by a five-run margin. I am backing the hosts to respond here and get a W and cover the run line in the process. Drew Rasmussen has been stellar this season and even made it to the All-Star game. He shouldn’t have problems against one of the weakest offenses in the MLB. Davis Martin, on the other hand, allowed multiple runs in seven of his previous eight starts, and the Rays will get to him early on. Back the Rays to win and cover.