Boston Red Sox (71-66) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (83-54)
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays 9/4/23 – At this critical juncture in Major League Baseball’s regular season, every game matters and especially so for Boston Red Sox (71-66) and Tampa Bay Rays (83-54) as both aim to improve their middling records while Tampa Bay seeks to maintain their lead over their division. Both clubs will square off against one another at Tropicana Field this afternoon with plenty riding on it; Boston hopes to improve upon their middling record while Tampa Bay looks to consolidate their divisional standing.
Boston Red Sox are trying to turn around their disappointing season with a win-loss record of 71-66 and an on-base percentage of 0.33 but an impressive slugging percentage of 0.438. On pitching side, their ERA stands at 4.54 with an accompanying WHIP of 1.35; although Boston possesses potential they haven’t found consistency as recent games show.
The Tampa Bay Rays have an 83-54 record and sit firmly atop their division. Heading into this matchup with a batting average of 0.26 and 732 runs scored (including 198 homers), an on-base percentage of 0.331, and a slugging percentage of 0.446; their on-base percentage stands at an impressive 0.431, as does their slugging percentage (0.446). Their team ERA sits at 3.81 while WHIP has been set at 1.18; clearly demonstrating both in-field dominance! For more insights, check out free baseball picks and predictions.
Red Sox vs. Rays Game Info
| When: | Sunday, September 4, 2023 at 4:10 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Tropicana Field |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Brayan Bello (10-8, 3.57 ERA) vs. Aaron Civale (7-3, 2.64 ERA)
Brayan Bello has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult season for the Boston Red Sox. Boasting an overall win-loss record of 10-8 and with an ERA of 3.57 that is respectable across 131 innings pitched, his consistency can be counted upon. But there have been concerns: his 1.28 WHIP indicates some susceptibility to base runners being allowed; this translated to multiple runners per inning resulting in high scoring innings against him; additionally he has given up 19 home runs this season which may prove concerning against Tampa Bay’s more powerful lineup.
Aaron Civale enters this matchup boasting impressive stats and strong momentum. Boasting a 7-3 win-loss record and an ERA just shy of elite (2.64), Civale has shown his worth this season. Additionally, his 1.11 WHIP suggests he doesn’t allow free bases often – in 102.1 innings pitched alone, Civale has given up just 90 hits and 24 walks; making him an extremely tough pitcher to face for any lineup.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Boston Red Sox +120, Total Odds: 8
Looking at the odds, Red Sox have an estimated Spread/Moneyline spread/Total 8 over of +1.5 at -175, Moneyline of +120 and an over/under of -112 when considering all outcomes; in comparison, Rays have an -1.5 Spread at +145 with Moneyline being at -141 and Total 8 Under at -115 respectively
Boston Red Sox Betting Trends
As bettors, understanding trends is paramount and Boston Red Sox statistics offer us some telling clues. 15 out of the last 17 Boston games have gone OVER (total number of runs scored is over), suggesting an unusually high-scoring pattern of play. They have gone 2-5 straight up over their last 7 contests against Tampa Bay Rays; more worryingly still they are 1-7 against them on the road, failing to finish even one win against them since 2004!
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends
The Rays come into this matchup with solid betting trends; 13 out of their last 20 games have seen total OVERGO, while they’ve gone 9-3 SU in their last 12 matches, showing strong recent form. When it comes to home field advantage, the Rays have been unstoppable, going 5-1 SU over their past six home games against Red Sox opponents and 10-0 overall against Boston.
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays 9/4/23 Betting Picks
Based on trends, team stats, and starting pitchers, the selection leans heavily toward Tampa Bay Rays. They’re clearly in better form overall and against Boston specifically; moreover, their starting pitcher Aaron Civale has proven more reliable this season compared to Brayan Bello from Boston. Given Tampa Bay’s strong home record against Boston as well as their general form this season, a bet with an implied Spread of -1.5 at +145 would provide great value. Given how frequently games involving either team have gone OVER their total 8 over at -112 could also prove worthwhile. For more expert insights, check out premium sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (+145).