Rays vs. Cubs Prediction
Will Chris Archer out-duel Jon Lester when the Cubs host the Rays today at 2:20PM ET?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Cubs are -145 money line favorites to beat the Rays, who have odds of +125 to pull off the upset. With Archer set to face Lester in the pitching matchup, the over/under currently sits at 8.5 runs.
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From Rotoworld: Archer allowed three runs on eight hits over six innings in a loss to the Pirates on Thursday. It was in bits and pieces for Archer on Thursday, as the Pirates scratched out single runs in the third, fourth and sixth innings. He did manage not to issue a free pass while striking out five. The loss dropped him to 6-5 with a 3.92 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 131/33 K/BB ratio over 17 starts this year. An interleague date with the defending World Champion Cubs will present a challenge on Wednesday.
Lester was superb Thursday in a no-decision against the Nationals, allowing three hits and one run over six standout innings. He fanned seven while issuing three free passes. Lester got off to a shaky start, walking two of the first three batters he faced but was lights out after that. He allowed just three base-runners after the first inning and was helped out by catcher Willson Contreras, who threw out a pair of would-be base stealers (that’s two more than Miguel Montero has thrown out this year). Lester’s next start will come Wednesday against the Rays.
Bet Today’s Rays vs. Cubs Game
OUR PREDICTION: The Rays have won five of their last six games against the Cubs, who are 1-5 in their last six interleague home games. The Cubs are also winless at 0-5 in their last five games following a win and are 2-7 in their last nine games versus a right-handed starter. On the other side, the Rays have won five of Archer’s last seven starts and are 10-4 in their last 14 interleague games.
TUESDAY MLB PREDICTION: TAMPA BAY RAYS +125