Thursday MLB Betting – Rays vs Mariners Preview & Pick
THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR AMERICA’S PASTTIME! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET ON MLB TODAY!
MLB Betting – Rays vs Mariners Preview & Pick
Date: June 2, 2011
Venue: Safeco Field, Seattle, WA
Broadcast: SUN, ROOT
Tampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners Betting Lines from BetOnline.com
Money Line: Mariners -116
Over/Under: 6.5
CLICK here for INDEPTH MLB ATS Stats for this matchup —>
Bet now at BETONLINE —>
Talk smack about MLB Baseball Today In Our Forums –>
Tampa Bay Rays (29-25 through May 31)
James Shields (5-3, 2.15)
The Tampa Bay Rays have weathered the storm without their best player and appear ready to push the Yankees and Red Sox again now that Evan Longoria has rejoined the lineup. He was eased back into things – Joe Maddon even tried the slugging third baseman in the leadoff spot – but Longoria has returned to his cleanup role. He responded Tuesday by cracking a game-winning, two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning.
If Longoria stays hot, the Rays have to like their chances on Thursday, as starting pitcher James Shields is well on his way to his best major-league season. He has three complete games, two shutouts, a 13-strikeout game and a 12-strikeout game. He has a 2.49 ERA over six career starts at Safeco Field.
Seattle Mariners (28-26 through May 31)
Felix Hernandez (5-4, 3.19)
The Seattle Mariners are quietly one of baseball’s hottest teams. Reigning Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez is doing his usual thing but he’s had unexpected help from rookie Michael Pineda and resurgent Erik Bedard in the rotation and, on offense, Justin Smoak.
Hernandez has dominated the Rays to the tune of a 2.42 ERA in his career. However, he has a few minor red flags entering Thursday’s outing. He’s been better on the road (2.87 ERA) than at home (3.58 ERA) this season. Though his overall numbers are strong, his command has been spotty; Hernandez has walked three or more batters in five of 12 starts this season.
King Felix also has to worry about a few Tampa hitters. Johnny Damon owns him, going 9 for 16 (.563) with a homer, four RBI and four doubles. Longoria bats .375 off him.
MLB Trends:
TB are 10-3 in their last 13 games on grass.
Over is 6-2-2 in TB last 10 road games.
Under is 7-3 in TB last 10 Thu. games.
SEA are 11-3 in their last 14 overall.
SEA are 11-3 in their last 14 games on grass.
SEA are 6-2 in their last 8 home games.
Under is 8-1 in Shields’ last 9 starts vs. SEA.
TB are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.
The pick:
I like the Rays in a minor road upset on Thursday. Shields is hot enough on the mound to cancel out Hernandez’s awesomeness and the Rays’ bats are better equipped to put runs on the board than Seattle’s are.
Rays vs Mariners prediction: Rays 4, Mariners 2
2 replies on “MLB Betting – Tampa Bay vs. Seattle Preview & Pick”
The M’s in the discussion about winning the AL West? Who’d a thunk it?
The M’s in the discussion about winning the AL West? Who’d a thunk it?