The Tampa Bay Rays (69-55) take on the Boston Red Sox (60-65) Friday in the 1st game of a 3-game set at Fenway Park. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rays vs. Red Sox odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Rays lead 8-2
Tampa is as hot as it has been all season, winners of 6 in a row, 8 of 10 and 14 of 20. The Rays sit firmly in the first wild card spot in the American League. Friday might be a challenge as they’re throwing an opener in a bullpen game.
Boston fell victim to a 2nd defeat in extra innings in as many nights Thursday. The Red Sox have lost 4 in a row and 6 of 7 as their tailspin continues its downward spiral. Boston was swept in a 4-game series in Tampa in July.
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Rays at Red Sox projected starters
RHP JT Chargois vs. RHP Michael Wacha
Chargois (1-0, 0.00 ERA) makes his 4th appearance and 1st start. He has a 0.75 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 10.1 K/9 in 2 2/3 IP.
- The 31-year-old journeyman is with his 4th major league team
- Deploys a slider and sinker 97% of the time; has thrown a 4-seam fastball once in 38 pitches at 95 mph
Wacha (8-1, 2.28 ERA) makes his 16th start. He has a 1.04 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 6.8 K/9 in 83 IP.
- He’s 5-0 with a 2.13 ERA in his last 7 starts
- April 22 vs. Tampa: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Rays at Red Sox odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:13 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Rays +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Red Sox -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays +1.5 (-190) | Red Sox -1.5 (+155)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)
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Rays at Red Sox picks and predictions
Prediction
Red Sox 5, Rays 3
Money line
I liked the Red Sox to end their losing streak Thursday, but they folded in extra innings. They have a clear mismatch on the rubber and should come away with the win Friday. The books are on board with that, but there is value on the RED SOX FIRST 5 INNINGS (+102). It requires the inconsistent Red Sox to score, but that shouldn’t be a problem in a bullpen game for Tampa.
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Run line/Against the spread
The deck is stacked against us here. Even the Red Sox Total Runs Over 3.5 (-190) is juiced up. PASS.
Over/Under
This is a big number Friday, and only 2 of the 10 games between these teams has hit it this year. The Under is 4-2-1 for Tampa lately, and the Red Sox’s offense hasn’t done its job this year. Go with the UNDER 9.5 (-125).
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