Chris Tillman (15-4, 3.46 ERA) and David Price (10-8, 4.29 ERA) are on the hill in the second of a two-game series between the Baltimore Orioles (66-52) and the Boston Red Sox (66-52) at Camden Yards. The Red Sox won the last game 5-3, continuing a five-game winning streak. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 17 and can be seen on MAS2, NESN and ESPN.
Tillman pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs and striking out four in a 9-6 win over the Athletics. Price went 8.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out eight and walking one in a 9-4 win over the Diamondbacks in his last outing. Mookie Betts (.315, 93 Rs, 28 HRs, 89 RBIs, 18 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, two home runs, and five RBIs.
Boston takes on Baltimore as a -117 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at nine runs. The Orioles have an overall money line of +1,366 and a record as the underdog of 22-30. Within its division, Baltimore has a 12-5 as the underdog and a 26-19 SU. The Orioles have no trouble scoring as they rank fourth in the AL in offense with 4.7 runs per game. The Orioles lead the MLB in home runs with 176.
In games where it is the favorite, Boston has a 48-37 record and an overall money line of -351. They played solid baseball as the favorite over their last 10 games with a 5-2 record and a 6-4 record SU. Offensively, they average 5.5 runs per game, which the best in the AL. The Red Sox are tough outs for opponents, leading the AL with 10.0 hits per game. Boston is excellent at drawing walks with 3.4 per game, ranking third in the AL.
The Orioles lead the season series, 6-5. The Orioles have a 17-15 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Price takes the mound. Tillman (RHP) will be on the hill against the Red Sox, who have a 51-39 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS, O/U – Over
Notes
Boston has won 57% (32-24) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Baltimore has won 61% (31-20) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Red Sox managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Orioles who are heading in with a 13-12 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Red Sox are 58-15. The Orioles have a 44-9 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking first in runs, Boston has earned 648 this season. Baltimore ranks ninth with 552 runs.
Ranking 19th, Baltimore is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 344 this season. Boston ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 400.
When the Orioles hit at least one home run, they are 54-32, well-matched with the Red Sox who are 54-35 when hitting one or more homers.
