Rays vs. Phillies Odds & Betting Predictions - September 9, 2024

Follow On X: https://x.com/PicksOffice The Philadelphia Phillies are an enormous favorites coming into this game, especially at home, where they've compiled a 47-25 record. Cristopher Sanchez has been in good form and has compiled a 2.60 ERA over his last four starts. His style of keeping hitters off-balance with a heavy dose of sinkers that create ground balls should work great against a Tampa Bay lineup that has struggled to produce consistent runs on the road. Sanchez comes off a 7-inning, 2-run performance against Toronto and has been good against Tampa Bay, allowing 1 run in 6 innings of work the last time on June 27th. Things are far dicier in Tampa Bay, beginning with the 4.35 ERA that Cole Sulser has posted in limited action this season. The high hard-hit rate (39.3%) and walk rate (13.3%) from Sulser indicate that he may struggle to contain the powerful lineup of Philadelphia. Tyler Alexander will be the replacement principal pitcher, but his 5.66 ERA and poor underlying numbers make him a major liability. Alexander has one of the lowest fastball velocities in the league, coming in at 89.5 mph, with a low GB% at 30.8%, meaning he's more liable to give up homers-many in a hitter-friendly park like Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies are fully capable of exploiting the more vulnerable areas of the Rays' pitching staff. Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Nick Castellanos will try to take advantage of Alexander, who is prone to hard contact. This home offense for Philadelphia does score 5.34 runs per game and shouldn't have much issue at all continuing their success from as of late. Meanwhile, the Rays offense currently sits 28th in runs per game and can never truly enable consistency in a given series, especially against southpaws like Suárez. Now, Philadelphia also has the better bullpen, as its relievers have posted 1.07 WHIP, adding more safety in games late. With Sanchez's form lately and Tampa Bay's currently problematic pitching, this could well be the night that the Phillies finally cover the -1.5 spread.