It is another big series in New York as the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Yankees in a three-game series. The AL East race continue to tighten after the Yankees second half downfall, meaning both these teams have something to play for, but who will take it out? Here is my complete prediction and breakdown.
RED HOT RAYS
It is that time of the year again for the Tampa Bay Rays, time to starting cooking! The Tampa Bay Rays have put themselves in a great position to defend the American League East title winning eight of their last 10 games. Heading into Friday night's game, the Rays have won three-straight games after sweeping Boston to begin the week.
The Rays are clicking all over. In their last 10 games Rays batters are hitting a combined .280, scoring 4.92 runs per game. Leading the way is Randy Arozarena with 74 RBI’s and 19 homers. The story for the Rays however isn’t their offense, is their pitching.
In their last 10 games the Tampa Bay pitching staff are throwing a 2.20 ERA and 1.01 WHIP, holding opponents to just a .203 batting average. The arm-barn has been astounding as relievers are throwing a combined 1.36 in the last 10. Taking the mound in this one is 27-year-old Drew Rasmussen, who is having a great season. As of now, Drew ha a 2.70 ERA and 1.05 WHIP resulting in a 9-4 record. He is only getting better as the season has gone on, having just a 2.12 ERA in his last 3 starts allowing 4 runs combined.
YANKEE ROLLER COASTER
It is safe to say the Yankees are not the best team in baseball, which some believed before the All-Star break. They are seven games below .500 in the second half of the season but still manage to find themselves with a 83-55 record. They are in their best form of the second-half winning 4 of their last 5 games.
The Yankees struggled were due to their offence, it fell off a cliff. It is slowing starting to come back as the team is hitting a combined .224 in their last 5 (was below .200) scoring 4.34 runs per game. Aaron Judge is on track for MVP launching his 55th home-run in their last series against the Twins.
Taking the mound for the Yankees is Frankie Montas. Acquired from the A’s before the deadline Montas comes into this one with 5-11 record, 3.79 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. He struggled mightily in his first starts as a Yankee but is coming off his best yet; 5 innings allowing just 1 hit and no runs to the Rays. The New York pitching staff is stellar throwing a combined 0.84 ERA in the teams last 5 games.
LOW SCORING DUEL
Whilst I want to trust the Yankees in this one I think its going to be too close to call. Both teams are pitching incredibly well and both offences aren’t proving powerful. Rasmussen and Montas both have what it takes to shut teams down and both teams arm-barns are elite. Take the under.
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Thanks for reading, Dave Covers Spreads