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The stacked MLB slate continues to roll on as we're set to bring you another betting prediction and pick for this upcoming Interleague matchup. The Tampa Bay Rays will head to the Steel City to face the Pittsburgh Pirates for the second game of their current series. It's time to continue our MLB odds series with a Rays-Pirates prediction and pick.
Rays-Pirates Projected Starters
Zach Eflin (RHP) vs. Jared Jones (RHP)
Zach Eflin (3-4) with a 4.12 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 57 K, 74.1 IP
Last Start: 6/16 @ ATL (W) – 5.2 IP, 3 ER, 7 K
2024 Road Splits: (1-3) with a 4.98 ERA, .291 OBA, 36 K, 43.1 IP
Jared Jones (4-6) with a 3.76 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 85 K, 79.0 IP
Last Start: 6/15 @ COL (L) – 4.2 IP, 6 ER, 6 K
2024 Home Splits: (2-2) with a 2.14 ERA, .212 OBA, 42 K, 42.0 IP
Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Rays-Pirates Odds
Tampa Bay Rays: -1.5 (+152)
Moneyline: +100
Pittsburgh Pirates: +1.5 (-184)
Moneyline: -118
Over: 8.5 (-102)
Under: 8.5 (-120)
How to Watch Rays vs. Pirates
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET/ 1:05 p.m. PT
TV: Bally Sports Sun, SportsNet Pittsburgh, MLB.TV
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Rays Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Tampa Bay Rays are currently fourth in the AL East standings and sit 14 games back of the lead following their second-place finish last year. It's going to be another tight race in the division as the Yankees look to be one of the best teams in baseball, but the Rays are no strangers to mounting an in-season run and placing themselves right back into contention. They've split their last 10 games at 5-5, but they're coming into this one riding a two-game winning streak and Zach Eflin comes in following a big win during his last start.
Since coming over from the Phillies in the offseason, Eflin has become the Rays' “good luck charm” this year and his squad had picked up a win in the last six consecutive games he's started. While he's prone to giving up 1-3 earned runs during his starts, the Rays bullpen has been fantastic in limiting opposition and allowing themselves to win the game with their bats. They're actually hitting for a better .319 average on the road and have hit 49 homers against right-handed pitchers. If Eflin can turn in five solid innings and keep the Pirates to a modest total, the Rays' bats should be able to lift them to a victory once again.
Why The Pirates Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Pittsburgh Pirates are currently third in the NL Central standings as their tight race for first place continues. They've also plit their last 10 games at 5-5, but they're coming into this series following back-to-back 2-1 series wins over their last two opponents. They have an 18-18 record at home this season, so they're happy to be hosting the Rays after being on the road against their last few opponents. Jared Jones will make his 15th start of the season and looks for his second win over his last seven starts. He's much better at home than he's been on the road, so he should give the Pirates a good chance to steal this game at PNC Park.
Bryan Reynolds has been their leading bat all season and he's continuing to build upon a strong last season, ranking top-50 in batting average, RBI, and OPS. He's been aided by Andrew McCutchen and his bat made the difference with a solo homer in their last game. Jared Jones will give them a great chance at home with a 2.14 ERA and just a .212 OBA. He's been about even between right-handers and lefties, so expect Jones to be their workhorse in trying to take this start into the deep innings.
Final Rays-Pirates Prediction & Pick
Both teams are coasting in the standings right now, but they would both like to string some wins together and close the gap between themselves and the top of their division. The Tampa Bay Rays are coming into this game having won the last six-straight games Zach Eflin has pitched in. He's been great at limiting runs during his starts and if he can put together another solid outing here, the Rays' will be confident in their bullpen finishing the job.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have also looked solid as of late and their pitcher Jared Jones loves to sling the ball at home. With just a .212 ERA, he gives them a great chance at home if the bats can back him up with some run support.
For our prediction, we'll have to roll with the Tampa Bay Rays to get the win behind Zach Eflin. They've rallied behind him all year and I expect this winning streak to extend to seven games as they get another win behind him.
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Final Rays-Pirates Prediction & Pick: Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (+152)
