MLB Betting \u2013 Rays vs Mariners Preview & Pick<\/strong> Tampa Bay Rays (29-25 through May 31)<\/strong> 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 \u2013 Joe Maddon even tried the slugging third baseman in the leadoff spot \u2013 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Seattle Mariners (28-26 through May 31)<\/strong> The Seattle Mariners are quietly one of baseball\u2019s hottest teams. Reigning Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez is doing his usual thing but he\u2019s 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\u2019s outing. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n MLB Trends:<\/strong><\/p>\n TB are 10-3 in their last 13 games on grass. The pick:<\/strong><\/p>\n I like the Rays in a minor road upset on Thursday. Shields is hot enough on the mound to cancel out Hernandez\u2019s awesomeness and the Rays\u2019 bats are better equipped to put runs on the board than Seattle\u2019s are.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>June 2, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Safeco Field, Seattle, WA
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>SUN, ROOT
\nTampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners Betting Lines from BetOnline.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: <\/strong>Mariners -116
\nOver\/Under: <\/strong>6.5
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\nJames Shields (5-3, 2.15)<\/p>\n
\nFelix Hernandez (5-4, 3.19)<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nOver is 6-2-2 in TB last 10 road games.
\nUnder is 7-3 in TB last 10 Thu. games.
\nSEA are 11-3 in their last 14 overall.
\nSEA are 11-3 in their last 14 games on grass.
\nSEA are 6-2 in their last 8 home games.
\nUnder is 8-1 in Shields’ last 9 starts vs. SEA.
\nTB are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.<\/p>\n