Nick Tropeano (1-1, 3.42 ERA) and Matt Andriese (0-0, 0.00 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Los Angeles Angels (13-17) and the Tampa Bay Rays (14-14) at Angel Stadium. The Rays won the last game 4-2, and Tampa Bay leads the series 2-0. Action begins at 3:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 8 and can be seen on FSW and SUN.
Tropeano pitched 5.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering five runs, striking out six and walking five in a 5-4 defeat to the Brewers. Mike Trout (.312, 16 Rs, 7 HRs, 23 RBIs, 2 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4. This is the first time Andriese will take the hill this season. He pitched 65.2 innings last season, finishing 3-5 with a 4.11 ERA his most recent start Steven Souza Jr. (.278, 13 Rs, 7 HRs, 14 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Rays, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
The odds for Los Angeles and Tampa Bay are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Angels 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. Los Angeles’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.
Offensively, the Rays 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 Rays 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 preventing batters from getting on base, the Rays are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.142 for the season.
The Rays have the edge in the season series, 2-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB
Notes
Los Angeles has won 54% (7-6) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Tampa Bay has won 67% (6-3) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Rays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Angels have a 2-8 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Angels are 2-14. The Rays have a 2-9 record when opponents outhit them.
Los Angeles ranks near the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 25 this season. Tampa Bay ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 37.
Ranking 29th, Tampa Bay is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.48 per game. Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half at 18th with 8.10.
Los Angeles and Tampa Bay both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Los Angeles sits at 25th with an OPS of .681, and Tampa Bay ranks 21st with an OPS of .700.
The Rays are 5-13 when they allow at least one home run. The Angels perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 9-14 record.
