Jake Odorizzi (6-6, 2.77 ERA) starts for the Tampa Bay Rays (57-56) as they square off against Matt Wisler (5-2, 4.85 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves (51-62) in the second of a two-game series at Tropicana Field. The Rays won the last game 2-0 and Tampa Bay leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 12 and can be seen on SUN and SPSO.
Odorizzi pitched 6.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run, striking out six and walking one in a 4-3 defeat to the Mets. Logan Forsythe (.280, 45 Rs, 13 HRs, 50 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday. Wisler went 5.1 innings, surrendering five runs, striking out three and walking three in a 9-8 defeat to the Marlins in his most recent start.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Tampa Bay, a substantial -200 favorite, takes on Atlanta. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of seven runs. The Rays have an overall money line of -241 and a record as the favorite of 27-24. In interleague play, they have a 4-4 record when they were the favorite and 9-6 SU. The Rays have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 5.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 3.7 runs per game. Opposing batters know they’re in for a battle when they play Tampa Bay. The Rays are one of the top teams when it comes to pitching, allowing just 3.8 runs per game. The Rays are the top team in the AL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 7.9 hits per game so far this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Atlanta has a 38-51 record and an overall money line of -12. Atlanta has put in a lackluster performance against American League opponents, coming in with a subpar record SU ({betdsi.at.al.su_record}) and as the underdog (4-6). Offensively, the Braves 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 4.7 during that stretch. The Braves have a dynamic offense, ranking second in the league with 266 extra base hits. The Braves allow 4.4 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 6.2 runs per game during that span.
The Rays lead the season series, 2-1. The Rays have a 36-44 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Wisler takes the mound. Odorizzi (RHP) will be on the hill against the Braves, who have a 43-49 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB, O/U – Under
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Tampa Bay is 23-21, while Atlanta is 23-33.
Having scored zero runs in their last game, the Braves are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Rays have a 10-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 10-43. The Rays have an 11-35 record when opponents outhit them.
Atlanta ranks at the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 70 this season. Tampa Bay ranks in the top half at 13th with 106.
Ranking 15th, Tampa Bay is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.12 per game. Atlanta ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 8.58.
Tampa Bay and Atlanta both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Tampa Bay sits at 21st with an OPS of .699 and Atlanta ranks 27th with an OPS of .676.
When the Braves allow at least one home run, they are 20-42, well-matched with the Rays who are 26-41 when allowing at least one homer.
