Underdog Mariners Look to Steal Series Opener in Tampa
Who: Seattle Mariners v. Tampa Bay Rays
When: Friday August 18th, 2017 7:10PM EST
Where: Tropicana Field—Tampa Bay, Florida
The Rays and the Mariners are both, technically, still fighting to make the post-season, however it seems that fight is growing weaker with each passing day. The Mariners will head into Tampa coming off a dismal homestand that saw them win just 2 of 7 games. The stretch was not only hurtful as for their playoff hopes, it was even worse because it included a 4-game sweep at the hand of division rival Los Angeles Angels. The Mariners are still right there near the top of the AL Wild Card race, but will need to play well on the road to improve upon their current standing.
As for the Rays, they are considered to be not very likely playoff contenders. They have been on an even worse streak than the Mariners, and are falling further and further out of contention every day. The Rays’ biggest problem is the fact that they cannot seem to get any runs on the board. To put this in perspective, their last 10 games have seen them go 2-8. Perhaps even more telling of their recent struggles is the fact that they have only managed to score more than 3 runs twice, and that was in their only 2 wins. Each and every other game saw them score 3 or fewer runs. You do not need to be a baseball expert to know that if you are unable to score runs you will be unable to win games. That is the problem facing Tampa right now, and if it does not change in a hurry their hopes of making a post-season appearance will have been officially dismantled.
Being that this is the first of a 3-game series, Bovada is offering odds on which team will win at least 2 of the 3 games, and the series as a whole. Right now, Seattle (+115) are slight underdogs, while the Rays (-145) are favored. I would have to advise that you take the Mariners in this one, simply because they are playing comparatively better baseball.
Game Overview and Analysis
Starting on the mound for the visiting Mariners (+110) will be the right-hander Erasmo Ramirez (4-4 4.73 ERA). Ramirez was recently acquired from the Rays, and has been a journeyman this year as far as what his role has been. Ramirez has gone from being a relief pitcher, to a closer, and a starting pitcher. His 4-4 record should be regarded as a positive one solely because it is no easy task to change roles as a pitcher, so considering the circumstances, he has done quite well.
For Seattle, I think this game is entirely in the hands of Ramirez. If he can do what most pitchers have had no trouble doing as of late, shutting the Rays offense down, then I think the Mariners will win this game (and series) quite easily. In my opinion, the Mariners also have more at stake seeing as they are right on the cusp of a Wild-Card spot.
Starting for the Rays (-130) will be Austin Pruitt (6-3 5.07 ERA). Pruitt, like Ramirez, has spent some time in other pitching roles for the Rays. More recently, he has been a consistent starter and his performances have warranted his staying in the rotation. Though his 4-game log sees Pruitt having earned a 1-2 record, it is the fact that he has not given up many runs during that time that is especially impressive. Perhaps borrowing from his time as a closer, Pruitt has been able to keep opposing hitters in check. With all of this being said, Pruitt does not have the most stamina and it is more than likely that the Rays will be calling someone in from the bullpen by the 5th inning.
Betting Prediction
If you are looking at a moneyline wager, I think you have to go with the Mariners (+110) in this one. As we mentioned above, the Mariners have been playing better baseball and are, in my opinion, the better team overall. The fact that they simply cannot afford to keep losing will act as a proellent of sorts, and I think that will power them to a victory, both in this game and the series.
Right now, the over/under is sitting at an even 9 runs (-115/-115). I think, when you consider the impotence of both offenses lately, you have to go with the under (-115) in this one. Neither of these two teams are exactly apt to scoring a lot of runs, and based off this alone I think the under is the right choice.
If you are feeling like taking a risk that could prove to be valuable, Bovada is offering an alternate point spread that sees the Mariners listed as -1.5 favorites (+170). Not only do I think there is a good chance that the Mariners cover this spread, I think the wager offers a lot of value as well.