Matt Andriese (3-0, 2.11 ERA) takes the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays (21-22) as they go up against Justin Nicolino (2-2, 4.30 ERA) and the Miami Marlins (23-22) in the first of a two-game series at Tropicana Field. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 25 and will air on FSFL and SUN.
In his most recent outing, Andriese pitched 5.1 innings, allowing four runs, striking out three and walking two in a 7-5 victory over the Tigers. Steve Pearce (.303, 16 Rs, 7 HRs, 19 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. The Marlins were unsuccessful against the Nationals 4-1 the last time Nicolino pitched. He went 5.1 innings, allowing four runs and striking out two. Marcell Ozuna (.327, 30 Rs, 9 HRs, 23 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well for the Marlins, going 2 for 3 yesterday with two runs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Rays have a 22-19 record SU against the NL. Over their past 10 games, Tampa Bay’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The Rays lead the majors in home runs with 65. They typically aren’t overmatched by pitchers, ranking fourth in the AL with an average of only 9.2 strikeouts per game. The most recent 10 game stretch for Tampa Bay’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Tampa Bay’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
Against teams in the American League, the Marlins are 19-20 SU. Miami has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. Miami’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB
Notes
For the sixth time this season, the Rays registered at least two errors in a game.
The Rays are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 10 strikeouts. The Marlins have a record of 4-7 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Rays are 3-16. The Marlins have a 4-15 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking first in home runs, Tampa Bay has hit 65 this season. Miami ranks 21st with 42 home runs.
Ranking 20th, Tampa Bay is in the bottom half of the league in hits, notching 8.02 per game. Miami ranks in the top five with 9.33.
Tampa Bay and Miami both rank in the top 10 of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Tampa Bay sits at 10th with an OPS of .744, and Miami ranks ninth with an OPS of .755.
The Marlins are 10-10 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rays are 9-21 when they allow at least one homer.
