Mike Rose
Tampa Bay Rays +103
Two of the best $$$ teams in the game lock horns for the third time in as many days at Rogers Centre on Wednesday night in the rubber match between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Toronto looked like it was going to close yet another game on the AL East leaders on Tuesday night before the Rays staged a dramatic comeback from down 5-0 that was capped by a four run 9th inning to win 7-6.
Tampa Bay holds a 4.5 game edge over Toronto in the AL East standings, but only has 2.5 games over the New York Yankees for first place.
David Price has been tagged for a combined eight runs in his L/2 starts, which is more than he conceded in his previous six starts added together.
However, against the Blue Jays, he has been absolutely lethal in his career, going 3-0 with a 2.92 ERA, including a complete game shutout against them back on April 25th.
RHP Shaun Marcum has been just as effective for the Jays this year, though. He is 5-1 with a 2.59 ERA in 11 starts and has been the victorious pitcher in four straight outings. Marcum's 1.03 WHIP and .216 batting average against are amongst the best in the majors.
The Rays have won eight straight games as underdogs and are 21-6 in their L/27 road games overall.
Even though Price has been bounced around just a tad of late, he is still going to do enough to keep the Rays alive in this game. From that point on, a bullpen that has absolutely been lights out and the momentum from last night's huge comeback should give Tampa Bay yet another victorious road series.
Info Plays
3* on Toronto Blue Jays -109
Reasons the Blue Jays win:
1.) System Play. We'll Play On - Home teams with a money line of -100 to -150 (TORONTO) - average offensive team (4.7 to 5.2 runs/game) against a good starter (ERA<=4.20) (AL), with a starting pitcher who gives up 5.5 or less hits/start. This is a 42-8 ML System hitting 84% over the last 5 seasons. This system is a perfect 5-0 this season and 30-4 over the last 3 seasons.
2.) Toronto has to be fuming after blowing a 5-0 lead over the Rays yesterday, eventually losing 7-6 after a blown save from Kevin Gregg. Look for a motivated effort tonight from the Jays behind starter Shaun Marcum, who is 5-1 with a 2.59 ERA this season. Marcum is 3-0 in his last 3 outings with a 2.00 ERA, as the Jays have outscored the likes of the Orioles, DBacks and Twins 28-6 in the process. In 3 lifetime starts vs. Tampa Bay, Marcum is 1-0 with a 0.83 ERA and 0.692 WHIP. He has allowed just 2 earned runs in 21.2 innings lifetime vs. the Rays. Bet Toronto at home.