World Series Wagering – Garza leads Rays into Game 3
The Tampa Bay Rays started their turnaround 2008 campaign with a trade – they sent outfielder Delmon Young and infielder Brendan Harris to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for shortstop Jason Bartlett and starting pitcher Matt Garza. Bartlett has had a solid season, but it’s Garza who has paid off the most for all those doing MLB betting.
The righthander went 11-9 with a 3.70 ERA during the regular season, but followed that up with a weak outing in the ALDS against the White Sox (five earned runs on seven hits over six innings of work). Still, Garza put that setback behind him when the Rays advanced to the ALCS against the Red Sox, and he was lights out in that series victory.
In Game 3 against Boston Garza gave up just one earned run on six hits over six innings of work, walking three batters and striking out five; Tampa won that game 9-1. Then in Game 7 Garza sealed the deal for Tampa Bay, holding the Red Sox to one earned run on two hits over seven innings pitched, while striking out nine in the contest.
That effort earned Garza the ALCS MVP award, and he’ll be looking to make it three playoff wins in a row on Saturday night when he takes to the mound for the Rays in Game 3 of the World Series in Philadelphia. Game time is set for 8:35pm ET on FOX.
Garza’s opponent in Game 3 will be Phillies veteran hurler Jamie Moyer, who has been tagged with a loss in each of Philly’s two postseason series this month. The lefthander gave up two earned runs on four hits over four innings in the NLDS against the Brewers, and he was then pounded for six earned runs on six hits in just 1 1-3 innings pitched in the NLCS against the Dodgers. That start was on October 12, so Moyer is well rested.
Game 4 of the World Series will be played at the same time and location on Sunday night, with both teams slated to send their fourth starters to the mound. For the Rays that means Andy Sonnanstine, who is 2-0 so far in the playoffs. The righthander gave up only five earned runs on nine hits in 13 innings pitched over the ALDS and ALCS.
Philly would counter with Joe Blanton, who would be making his second start of the postseason as well. The righthander was solid in his start against the Brewers in the NLDS, allowing just one earned run on five hits over six innings (while fanning seven) in a win. Blanton got a no-decision against the Dodgers, allowing three runs in five innings.
Game 5 is set for Monday night in Philadelphia, while a required Game 6 would be played back in Tampa Bay on Wednesday night. Should the series be stretched to seven games that deciding contest would be played next Thursday night. Check the BetUS MLB odds section for all the latest lines and totals for the baseball postseason.
