Tampa Bay Rays vs
St. Louis CardinalsPredictions & Preview

St. Louis Cardinals Showcase Dominance in Series Against Tampa Bay Rays Heading into Game 3

The St. Louis Cardinals are currently 58-56 this season, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by six games in the NL Central. Despite a recent rough patch, the Cardinals have won the first two games in their series against the Rays. Masyn Winn has been a key contributor with a .280 average, 9 home runs, and 41 RBI, leading the team's offense. The Tampa Bay Rays, with a record of 57-56, have lost four of their last six games, including the first two in the series against the Cardinals. Both teams boast strong bullpens, with the Cardinals ranked 2nd and the Rays 3rd in team saves. Shane Baz will start for the Rays with an ERA of 3.6, while Kyle Gibson will start for the Cardinals with an ERA of 4.04. The betting favorite is currently St. Louis at -119.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Rays +108 | Cardinals -119
• Spread: Rays +1.5 (-196) | Cardinals -1.5 (+170)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that St. Louis will win straight-up is 54%.

Tampa Bay vs St. Louis Stats

Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash praised Cardinals pitcher Sonny Gray for his impressive performance after a rough start. The Rays managed just six hits and two walks in the game, with their offensive struggles highlighted by their inability to capitalize on early opportunities. Despite an early lead from Brandon Lowe's two-run home run, the Rays fell short as they continue to struggle with inconsistent performance and an overreliance on the long ball. Their offensive woes, combined with difficulty delivering in clutch situations, have hindered their playoff aspirations. With a power ranking of 4 and a record of 57-56, the Rays need to find a way to bridge the gap between their potential and performance to make a serious postseason push.

St. Louis Cardinals Analysis

On Wednesday night, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-2, with key contributions from players like Nolan Arenado, Alec Burleson, and Erick Fedde. Burleson, who leads the majors in RBIs in home games since June 20, was thrilled to meet his wrestling idol, Randy Orton. Fedde, who earned the win, commented on his solid pitching performance. The Cardinals' offense was bolstered by players like Willson Contreras and Masyn Winn, while Ryan Helsley closed the game with his 36th save. The Rays, despite standout performances from players like Josh Lowe, have struggled in clutch situations. Taj Bradley, the Rays' pitcher, admitted to struggling in his start. The Cardinals took an early lead and maintained control thanks to key hits from players like Arenado and Burleson. The Cardinals have a power ranking of 23 and are performing middlingly in offense and defense, with an overall record of 59-56. Tampa Bay had previously won their last 3 matchups against St. Louis.

St. Louis Cardinals Showcase Dominance in Series Against Tampa Bay Rays Heading into Game 3

The St. Louis Cardinals have displayed their dominance by claiming victory in the first two games of the current series against the Tampa Bay Rays. This successful performance not only demonstrates their proficiency in facing this particular opponent but also bolsters their morale and momentum heading into the third game. Kyle Gibson will lead the Cardinals on the mound, armed with a commendable record of 7-4, a 4.04 ERA, and 109 strikeouts. His experience and recent form suggest he is well-equipped to handle the Rays' 28th-ranked offense. Despite not being considered a top team, the Cardinals possess the 21st-best offense in the Majors, significantly stronger than that of the Rays. Players like Paul Goldschmidt, Brendan Donovan, and Masyn Winn contribute to the team's offensive prowess. Additionally, St. Louis boasts a formidable bullpen, ranking 2nd in team saves, which could prove advantageous in the upcoming game. Playing at Busch Stadium, where they hold a solid 31-26 record, gives the Cardinals a distinct advantage.

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