The Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians meet in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 12:07 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rays vs. Guardians odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Guardians lead playoff series 1-0.
The Rays put up a good fight in Game 1, falling 2-1 in a well-pitched game on both sides. Tampa Bay picked up right where it left off in the regular season, however, and has now lost 6 games in a row and 8 of its last 9.
The Guardians won a 3rd consecutive 1-run game against the Rays, as it continues to be just a tick better than their counterparts.
Cleveland is on a roll. The Guardians have won 23 of their last 28 games overall and snapped an 8-game losing skid in the postseason. Friday’s win was the first in the last 5 playoff games at Progressive Field.
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Rays at Guardians projected starters
RHP Tyler Glasnow vs. RHP Triston McKenzie
Glasnow (0-0, 1.35 ERA) had a 0.90 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 13.5 K/9 through 6 2/3 IP across 2 regular-season starts.
- Returned from Tommy John surgery to make a pair of appearances down the stretch
- Was 0-0 with a 1.29 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 14 K across 7 IP in 4 appearances for the national champion Triple-A Durham Bulls in his rehab assignment
McKenzie (11-11, 2.96 ERA) made 30 regular-season starts and 1 relief appearance. He had a 0.95 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 8.9 K/9 through 191 1/3 IP.
- Posted a 2-0 record and .210 opponent batting average with 36 K through 33 IP across 5 starts over the last 30 days
- Was 5-3 with a 2.77 ERA with a .196 opponent BA and 96 K across 81 1/3 IP in 13 home starts
Rays at Guardians odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:36 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rays -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Guardians -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+165) | Guardians +1.5 (-220)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)
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Rays at Guardians picks and predictions
Prediction
Rays 3, Guardians 2
Moneyline
The RAYS (-105) have really struggled, dropping 6 contests in a row, but the percentages say they’ll snap out of it. It also helps to have Glasnow on the bump, as he has been lights out in his time with Triple-A Durham and the big club as he works his way back from TJS. He won’t go super deep into the game, but the Guardians will be held at bay when he is on the hill.
Run line/Against the spread
Guardians +1.5 (-220) is just too expensive, costing you more than 2 times your potential return. If you like Cleveland just bet it straight up — but I don’t like them in Game 2.
PASS.
Over/Under
UNDER 5.5 (+105) cashed in Game 1, as we had a total of just 3 runs. Under bettors never had to sweat at all.
We should have another well-pitched game with Glasnow and McKenzie putting up a lot of donuts in Game 2.
I am not comfortable betting a full unit on such a very low total, but it’s worth playing lightly.
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