This game could be low scoring as Luis Severino (2-2, 2.17 ERA) and the New York Yankees (74-58) meet Jake Odorizzi (6-7, 3.18 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (66-67) in the first of a three-game series at Yankee Stadium. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 4 and will air on SUN and YES.
In his last start, Severino pitched 6.0 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out five and walking three in a 3-1 victory over the Braves. Alex Rodriguez (.256, 71 Rs, 26 HRs, 73 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 5 Wednesday with one run and two RBIs. The Rays were unsuccessful to the Royals 6-3 the last time Odorizzi pitched. He went 4.2 innings, allowing four runs, striking out five and walking two. Logan Forsythe (.291, 59 Rs, 15 HRs, 53 RBIs, 9 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Rays, going 3 for 3 Wednesday.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Against teams in the AL East, the Yankees have an SU record of 30-23. New York has averaged 6.4 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 4.9. The Yankees are a power hitting team with 177 home runs, one of the highest totals in the MLB. Turning to the pitching staff, they have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 8.4 strikeouts per game.
Against teams in their division, the Rays are 26-27 SU. Tampa Bay has been playing better lately, averaging 4.8 runs per game, more than their season average of 3.8. The last 10 games have really brought the worst out of the Tampa Bay pitchers. They allowed 5.1 runs per game during that span, which is higher than their season average of 3.9. They also have some of the most overpowering arms in the AL with an average of 7.9 strikeouts per road game.
The Yankees have gotten the best of the Rays in head-to-head matchups this season, going 8-5. The Yankees will take on a right-hander (Odorizzi) in this game and have a 51-43 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Rays will be the right-hander Severino. They sport a 42-53 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYY
Notes
The Rays lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Yankees are 21-21. The Rays are 23-24 in close games this season.
The Yankees managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rays who are coming in with an 8-7 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Rays are 13-41. The Yankees have a 15-45 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 15th in home runs, Tampa Bay has hit 129 this season. New York ranks third with 177 home runs.
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 8.83.
Ranking 20th, Tampa Bay is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.713). New York ranks in the top five at third with an OPS of .759.
The Rays are 31-50 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Yankees are 37-45 when they allow at least one homer.
