Tampa Bay Rays vs
Pittsburgh PiratesPredictions & Preview

Tampa Bay Rays Set to Face Pittsburgh Pirates in Game Two at PNC Park, Pirates Aiming for Redemption against Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are set to face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates in game two of their series at PNC Park. Both teams are looking to improve their standings, with the Rays sitting at 4th in the American League East and the Pirates at 3rd in the National League Central. The Pirates will be looking to avenge their 0-3 record against the Rays in 2023. The game is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. EST, with Zach Eflin starting for the Rays and Jared Jones starting for the Pirates. Pittsburgh is the betting favorite at -108 with the line remaining unchanged.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Rays -104 | Pirates -108
• Spread: Rays +1.5 (-207) | Pirates -1.5 (+178)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Pittsburgh will win straight-up is 52%.

Tampa Bay vs Pittsburgh Stats

Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays have been on a winning streak, securing their fourth win in their last five games with a final score of 10-3 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite their recent successes, the team has struggled on the mound this season, ranking 24th overall in ERA at 4.42 compared to their fifth place ranking last season at 3.86. This decline in pitching performance can be attributed to a series of injuries among starting pitchers, including key player Shane McClanahan. Zach Eflin will be starting against the Pirates on Saturday, with a record of 3-4 and an ERA of 4.12 this season. The Rays are currently ranked 24th in power rankings, 25th in offense, 26th in defense, and have a season record of 37-39.

Pittsburgh Pirates Analysis

The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to bounce back from their recent loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite relying heavily on their pitching, yesterday's game showcased some inconsistencies with starting pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski and Luis L. Ortiz struggling on the mound. While the Pirates rank 16th in ERA this season, their pitching performance has been a mix of excellence and subpar outings. Jared Jones will be the next pitcher for the Pirates, with a record of 4-6 and an ERA of 3.76 in his first season in the major league. The team is facing challenges in the catcher position due to various injuries. Currently, the Pirates have a power ranking of 21 and are ranked 22nd in offense and 16th in defense. Overall, the team holds a record of 36-39. Additionally, Tampa Bay has lost their last three matchups against Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Pirates Struggle Against Tampa Bay Rays; Rays Favored in Pitcher's Duel

The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled in their recent matchups with the Rays, holding a 2-8 record in their last 10 games dating back to 2017. Zach Eflin has displayed impressive pitching stats against the Pirates, boasting a 2-1 record with an ERA of 1.35 and 19 strikeouts in three appearances. On the other hand, Jared Jones has struggled with a 0-2 record, an ERA of 5.28, and 12 strikeouts in three appearances against American League opponents this season. It is anticipated that the upcoming game will be a competitive pitcher's duel, with Jared Jones likely to face challenges in containing the Rays' offense. Consequently, I am opting to support the Tampa Bay Rays on the money line for this game.

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