Tigers vs. Rays Prediction
The Tampa Bay Rays scored their first run in game two of the series in the bottom of the 13th inning last night to sneak past the host Detroit Tigers. Can Tampa Bay secure another home win this afternoon to take the series?
Game Snapshot
971 Detroit Tigers at 972 Tampa Bay Rays
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Tropicana Field at 1:10PM ET
TV: Fox Sports Sun
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Rays are a -180 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Tigers are a +170 underdog, while the total sits at 8.5 runs. As of Sunday morning, 64 percent of public bets are being placed on host Tampa Bay. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Tigers shut out for 13 innings
Detroit struck out 24 times Saturday night in a 1-0 13-inning loss at Tampa Bay to drop to 37-83 overall and 20-40 on the road. Niko Goodrum and John Hicks helped lead the Tigers offensively as they were both 1-for-5 with a double. Dawel Lugo had the other hit as he went 1-for-4. Matt Hall took the loss in relief as he gave up one earned run on two hits with no strikeouts and one walk over two-thirds of an inning. Matt Boyd draws the start today as he enters with a 6-9 record, 4.38 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 192 strikeouts over 146 innings.
Brosseau drives in winning run
A pinch-hit RBI double by Mike Brosseau in the bottom of the 13th inning Saturday night scored Eric Sogard and sent Tampa Bay to a 1-0 home win over Detroit. Sogard went 2-for-6 with a double and the run scored to help pace the Rays offense. Tommy Pham was 1-for-4 with a double and two walks. Ji-Man Choi and Willy Adames each ended the game 1-for-5. Colin Poche picked up the win in relief as he struck out two in a spotless frame. Trevor Richards will make his first appearance for the Rays this afternoon as he starts after coming in with a 3-12 record, 4.50 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 103 strikeouts over 112 innings pitched during his time with the Marlins.
MLB Betting Trends
Detroit
The Tigers are 17-35 in their last 52 Sunday games. Detroit is 9-25 in the last 34 Boyd road starts.
Tampa Bay
The Rays are 22-4 in their last 26 Sunday games. Tampa Bay is 5-1 in its last six games versus a left-handed starter.
Prediction:
Richards has had moments of dominance in his MLB career, but control has been issue for him. Tampa Bay should be a good change of scenery for him and facing the Tigers should give him a boost right off the bat. Boyd was a hot commodity at the trade deadline with plenty of team control left, but Detroit opted to hold onto him and he’s struggled in his last two starts. I can’t endorse him here, even against a struggling Rays offense. Tampa Bay is bound to bust out soon and with Boyd not likely to get much support, I’d rather not take a chance on the worst team in baseball.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: TAMPA BAY RAYS -180