Chris Archer (12-10, 2.78 ERA) starts for the Tampa Bay Rays (67-68) as they square off against Ivan Nova (5-7, 4.50 ERA) and the New York Yankees (75-59) in the last of a three-game series at Yankee Stadium. The Rays won the last game 3-2 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 1:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sep. 6 and can be seen on SUN and YES.
Nova pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out three and walking one in a 4-3 defeat to the Red Sox. Archer went 6.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out six and walking three in a 6-3 win over the Orioles in his last outing. Logan Forsythe (.290, 60 Rs, 15 HRs, 53 RBIs, 9 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Tampa Bay takes on New York as a -130 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at eight runs. The Yankees have an overall money line of +542 and a record as the underdog of 25-28. New York has gone winless (0-2) as the underdog and 7-3 SU in its last 10 outings. The Yankees have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 6.6 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.9 runs per game. As for the pitchers, opponents have consistently been struck out by the Yankees, who rank fourth in the AL in strikeouts per game with 8.4.
In games where it is the favorite, Tampa Bay has a 32-29 record and an overall money line of -474. They are 11-11 as the favorite against fellow AL East members, and 26-28 SU. Offensively, the Rays have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 3.8 runs per game by averaging 4.8 during that stretch. The Rays have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 7.9 strikeouts per road game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Yankees lead the season series, 9-6. The Yankees have a 52-43 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Archer takes the mound. Nova (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rays, who have a 42-54 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB, O/U – Under
Notes
The Rays won their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Yankees are 21-22. The Rays are 24-24 in close games this season.
The Yankees managed to give up seven walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rays who are coming in with a 4-0 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Rays are 13-41. The Yankees have a 16-46 record when opponents outhit them.
Tampa Bay ranks in the top half of the league at 15th when it comes to home runs, hitting 130 this season. New York ranks in the top five at third with 180.
Ranking 12th, Tampa Bay is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.38 per game. New York ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.79.
Ranking 20th, Tampa Bay is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.712). New York ranks in the top five at third with an OPS of .757.
The Rays are 31-51 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Yankees are 38-45 when they allow at least one homer.
