With Major League Baseball’s regular season entering its final stages, the Tampa Bay Rays (80-81) and the Boston Red Sox (80-81) engage in an influential head to head encounter that could shape their seasons. The rivals, equal in the standings, will meet on a cool Sunday afternoon at Fenway Park, with fans hoping to see one team turn the balance in favor of a winning record. This battle brings to this game fierce competition and championship birth, where this very game is likely the best for MLB free predictions.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox 9/29/24 Game Info and Odds |
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| When: | Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 3:05 PM ET |
| Where: | Fenway Park |
| Watch: | BSSUN, ESPN, MLB.TV |
| Rays odds: | -114 Moneyline |
| Red Sox odds: | -104 Moneyline |
| Total Line: | 8.5 |
Tampa Bay Rays (80-81) vs. Boston Red Sox (80-81)
In a season marred by inconsistent performances and a fierce battle to stay above .500, the Tampa Bay Rays have shown flashes of brilliance interspersed with slump periods. Their recent form, particularly against the Red Sox, paints a picture of a team finding its groove at the right time. The Rays have dominated the Red Sox in recent encounters, suggesting a psychological edge as they head into this showdown. However, in the Tigers series, they had three losses.
| Tampa Bay Rays Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 28, 2024 | BOS | 7-2 | Win |
| Sep 27, 2024 | BOS | 2-1 | Win |
| Sep 26, 2024 | DET | 3-4 | Lose |
| Sep 25, 2024 | DET | 1-7 | Lose |
| Sep 24, 2024 | DET | 1-2 | Lose |
Conversely, the Boston Red Sox have struggled to find consistency, particularly at home against the Rays. Despite a better overall batting average and more potent home run hitting throughout the season, their recent form against the Rays and Blue Jays shows a team that might be buckling under pressure. The challenge for Boston will be overturning their dismal record against Tampa Bay at Fenway Park and ending the season on a high note.
| Boston Red Sox Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 28, 2024 | TB | 2-7 | Lose |
| Sep 27, 2024 | TB | 1-2 | Lose |
| Sep 25, 2024 | TOR | 1-6 | Lose |
| Sep 24, 2024 | TOR | 6-5 | Win |
| Sep 23, 2024 | TOR | 4-1 | Win |
Ryan Pepiot (8-7, 3.64 ERA) vs. Quinn Priester (2-6, 5.04 ERA)
Ryan Pepiot, Tampa Bay’s starting pitcher, has been a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for the team. Pepiot is looking forward to this last regular season game, and the numbers at an ERA of 3.64 with a WHIP of 1.14 will not be as high of a challenge as staring at opponents. Such factors as the home runs he gave up during the following matchup will also be crucial.
According to many critics, Quinn Priester of the Boston Red Sox has recorded a 5.04 ERA, which is below par but has room for improvement. One area that he needs to work on is control as well as not being overly prone to giving up hits which could be a concern given the recent resurgence of the offense for the Rays. Priester will be called upon to perform like he hasn’t if the Red Sox are to contain the batters of the aggressive lineup of the Tampa Bay Rays.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Tampa Bay Rays -114, Total Odds: 8.5
It would be fair to bet on the Rays as their latest showing at Fenway gives them an upper hand in pitching and beating the Red Sox. As such, the betting line has the Rays marginally leading the moneyline. In most of their recent meetings, the total has also trended under, and this tells one a close and draw game is on the cards.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends
The recent trend of the Rays is maintaining the games within a total points line and their previous away games against the RedSox may contribute to them dictating the game’s pace. The other highlight, especially Pepiot, had pitched very well when it mattered, which may be crucial in containing the batters from the Boston team.
Boston Red Sox Betting Trends
Regarding Boston betting trends, one cannot help but be discouraged, especially considering their performance when facing the Rays in home games. For them to come back against Tampa Bay pitchers has been the hot oil sector that they have never been able to turn around, and for this to change, it must start with the team – Priester on the mound.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox 9/29/24 Betting Picks
Looking at both teams’ forms and players, it can be appreciated how the Rays will manage to beat the Red Sox in this particular match. Their overall recent head-on-head record advantage and overall statistics suggest that it would be prudent to bet on pitchers’ performance in this game. But then, it is baseball, the Red Sox are still dangerous enough to change outcomes of games with this being a premium matchup review.
As a side note, try to find what prop bets will suit you best, under total runs might work offering the best value or consideration of strikeouts for Ryan Pepiot who knows how to perform when the situation calls for it. This match is likely going to be a purely tactical affair with both teams trying to pitch very well in the outlined strategies which dictates who is the winner.