Matt Andriese (6-2, 2.72 ERA) takes the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays (45-64) as they meet Kyle Gibson (3-6, 4.94 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (44-66) in the last of a three-game series at Tropicana Field. The Rays won the last game 7-3, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 7 and will air on FSN and SUN.
In his most recent outing, Andriese pitched 4.0 innings, allowing one run and striking out three in a 3-2 loss to the Royals. Evan Longoria (.281, 54 Rs, 24 HRs, 60 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 3 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Twins were victorious the last time Gibson pitched. He did not do well, pitching 4.2 innings, allowing six runs, striking out two and walking one in a 10-6 victory over the Indians. Brian Dozier (.262, 63 Rs, 22 HRs, 62 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday.
Tampa Bay is a -143 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is seven runs. When playing as the favorite, the Rays have a 27-35 record and overall money line at -2,598. Tampa Bay’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 2.5 during that span, compared to its 4.4 season average. The Rays are the best in the AL in hits allowed at home, giving up just 8.1 per game. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 8.4 strikeouts per game.
On the other side, the Twins have a subpar record of 34-52 when they are the underdog and are -1,175 overall with the money line. Over the past 10 matchups, the team is 7-3 SU and has played well as the underdog with a 6-2 record. Minnesota has been playing better lately, averaging 6.5 runs per game, more than their season average of 4.6. The Twins are known for their bats, hitting 362 extra base hits.
The Rays have mostly come out on top against the Twins in their previous six games this season, earning a 4-2 record. This game will feature Gibson (RHP) on the mound against the Rays, who have a 33-50 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Andriese will take the mound against the Twins. Against righty starters this season, they have an awful 29-51 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Minnesota is 24-24, while Tampa Bay is 17-26.
After a weak showing last week where they got in seven hits, the Twins need to step it up. The Rays have a record of 22-16 when opponents get seven hits or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 28-10. The Twins have a 31-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 26th, Tampa Bay is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 437 this season. Minnesota ranks in the top half at 13th with 507.
Ranking 18th, Tampa Bay is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 324 this season. Minnesota ranks in the top 10 with 354.
When the Rays hit at least one home run, they are 38-38. When the Twins hit at least one homer, they have a 37-34 record.
