Matt Moore (1-3, 5.47 ERA) and Michael Pineda (2-5, 6.34 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Tampa Bay Rays (21-25) and the New York Yankees (23-24) at Tropicana Field. The Yankees won the last game 4-1, and New York leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, May. 28 and can be seen on WPIX and SUN.
Moore pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering five runs, striking out three and walking one in a 7-6 defeat to the Marlins. Steve Pearce (.297, 18 Rs, 8 HRs, 20 RBIs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. Pineda went 6.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out six and walking one in a 5-4 win over the Athletics in his last outing. Jacoby Ellsbury (.283, 19 Rs, 2 HRs, 15 RBIs, 9 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
The odds for Tampa Bay and New York are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Within its division, Tampa Bay has a record of 8-11 SU. The Rays have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Tampa Bay’s batters do not strike out very often, with only 9.4 per game. Tampa Bay’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. The Rays are the fourth-best team in the AL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 7.5 hits per game to their opponents this season.
The Yankees are 11-11 against fellow AL East members. Offensively, the Yankees have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Yankees allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span. When it comes to issuing walks, the Yankees have the fewest in the AL with only 2.3 walks allowed per game.
The Yankees lead the season series, 3-1.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB
Notes
Tampa Bay recorded at least two errors for the eighth time this season.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Rays are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Yankees have a 7-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Rays are 3-18. The Yankees have a 4-21 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 16th in home runs, New York has hit 49 this season. Tampa Bay ranks second with 68 home runs.
Tampa Bay and New York both rank near the bottom of the league in hits. Tampa Bay sits at 23rd with 7.93 hits per game and New York ranks 25th with 7.79.
Ranking 24th, New York is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.687). Tampa Bay ranks in the top half at 11th with an OPS of .734.
The Yankees are 14-18 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rays are 9-23 when they allow at least one homer.
