Runs may be hard to come by in this one as Jake Odorizzi (6-6, 2.86 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (54-55) go up against Jacob deGrom (10-6, 2.09 ERA) and the New York Mets (58-50) in the first of a three-game series at Tropicana Field. The Mets enter this series looking to continue a six-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 7 and will air on SUN and SNY.
In his last start, Odorizzi pitched 6.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out five and walking one in a 4-3 loss to the Red Sox. Logan Forsythe (.280, 45 Rs, 13 HRs, 50 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 4 Wednesday with two runs and one RBI. The Mets were unsuccessful the last time deGrom pitched. He pitched well, going 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out seven and walking one in a 3-2 loss to the Nationals. Yoenis Cespedes (.294, 66 Rs, 18 HRs, 66 RBIs, 3 SBs) has been hitting the ball well, going 2 for 5 Wednesday with one run and one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Rays have a 7-5 record SU against the National League. Tampa Bay has averaged 5.5 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 3.7. Turning to the pitching staff, the Rays rank fourth in the NL in ERA with a 3.60 team average. The Rays don’t give up many hits to opposing batters, leading the AL with only 7.9 hits allowed per game. An area where the Rays are particularly strong at home is striking batters out, where they average an AL-best 8.8 K’s per home game.
When playing Interleague competitors, the Mets have a 5-4 record SU. New York has been playing better lately, averaging 5.2 runs per game, more than their season average of 3.7. The Mets are a problem for opposing batters, sporting a 3.27 ERA this season. They have a WHIP of 1.16, best in the MLB.
This game will feature deGrom (RHP) on the mound against the Rays, who have a 34-43 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Mets will be the right-hander Odorizzi. They sport a 47-40 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYM
Notes
Tampa Bay has won 50% (21-21) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, New York has won 59% (24-17) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Mets are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Rays have a 19-29 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 38-15. The Mets have a 41-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total runs this season, Tampa Bay ranks 25th with 404 runs and New York is 26th with 398.
Ranking 17th, New York is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 298 this season. Tampa Bay ranks in the top half at 15th with 299.
When the Rays hit at least one home run, they are 38-29. When the Mets hit at least one homer, they have a 36-18 record.
