Rays vs. Athletics Odds & Betting Predictions - August 22, 2024

Follow On X: https://x.com/PicksOffice The Tampa Bay Rays have just not been good at offense all season, and specifically versus Oakland in this series where they are managing just one run through the first two games. Hitting hasn't come easy to them. Tampa Bay was near the bottom of the league in many key offensive categories: 28th in runs per game with 3.87, 26th in batting average with .231, and 26th in OPS with .676. Even with standout performances from players like Yandy Díaz, who leads the team with a .275 average, the Rays have consistently failed to turn these opportunities into runs, resulting in their recent string of low-scoring games. This is further supported by the fact that the under has hit in 12 of their last 17 overall and seven of their last eight road games. Oakland, a little more productive in the home run department at 9th with 155, does not have an issue very different from this, rating 26th in runs per game at 4.01 and 27th in batting average at .231. Despite Brent Rooker's solid season of production at the plate, Oakland Athletics' offense has been stymied in this series so far—against Tampa Bay's pitching staff, which has been stellar with a rank of seventh in average against, at .231, and 12th in team ERA, at 3.91. Pitching has the right to be the key factor tonight, and both starters have shown capability in controlling the game. Ryan Pepiot figura especially good since his activation from the IL, as he has sported a 3.69 ERA and an unusually low WHIP of 1.08, indicating that he really doesn't allow too many baserunners. He allowed just two runs in 5.2 innings versus Oakland earlier this season, and now, with him pitching well through his injury rehab, he'll likely do the same. On the other side, Mitch Spence—although his 4.64 ERA doesn't suggest so—has had glimpses of dominance, especially in his first start against Tampa Bay when he threw 5.1 scoreless innings. His recent struggles in August—5.79 ERA—are a red flag as far as he's concerned, but against this stumbling Rays offense, he has an excellent opportunity to get back on track. The bullpen performance for both teams further supports the under. Tampa Bay's relievers combined for a 3.03 ERA, while Oakland's has been solid at 3.22. Both bullpens are very hot over their last three games as well, with Oakland's bullpen posting a 2.28 ERA over that span, which forebodes that even if the starters don't go deep into the game, the relievers can maintain a low-scoring environment.

home team went under by 5 and now home team is fav or slight dogs Overall: 446-278-34,62% (ROI:19%) Season:17-13-1,57% (ROI:11%)

(+115 CZ)

Flat to -112