The Tampa Bay Rays and the Kansas City Royals will continue their three-game series tonight at Kauffman Stadium. The Rays won game one of the series 7-3, setting the tone for the rest of the series to come. The Rays are looking to make the playoffs once again as the Royals are still trying to rebuild and start winning consistently again. Who will take home the win tonight though? Let's find out.
Here are the Rays-Royals MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Rays-Royals Odds
Tampa Bay Rays: -1.5 (+134) (-116 ML)
Kansas City Royals: +1.5 (-162) (-102 ML)
Over: 10 (-112)
Under: 10 (-108)
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Why The Rays Could Cover The Spread
The Rays are coming out hot out of the All-Star break with a win, putting them now just one and a half games above the Blue Jays in the ever-so-tough AL East division. On the season so far, the Rays are 52-41 and are sitting in second place in the division, but are still 12.0 games behind the Yankees for first. However, the Rays have now won six of their last seven games and are on a roll to find that playoff spot. Their hitting hasn't been ideal, averaging 4.22 runs per game, but their pitching has been outstanding, showing a collective 3.37 ERA.
Speaking of which, Luis Patino is expected to make his third start of the season tonight as he is showing a 0-1 record so far with a 6.75 ERA. Not the most ideal numbers, but he'll look to get the job done on the bump tonight for the Rays.
Why The Royals Could Cover The Spread
The Royals are trying their best to stay competitive, but they continue to fall further behind as they've now lost four games in a row. On the season, the Royals are now 36-57 and 13.5 games behind the Twins for the lead in the AL Central. This Royals team is bottom five in the league in offense (scoring 3.90 runs per game) and pitching (a combined 4.80 ERA, including a 4.63 ERA mark from the bullpen). Speaking of, Brady Singer is scheduled to be on the mound to start the game for the Royals as he is making his 12th start of the season. So far, Singer is showing a 4-3 record with a 4.02 ERA. The Royals are well aware that they won't be making the playoffs, but they're at least looking for a decent second half of the season.
Final Rays-Royals Prediction & Pick
This is actually kind of a tough pick. The Rays are the obvious choice as they're far and away the better team, but the odds are a little weird for the statement to be true. I think it has a lot to do with the pitching matchup today more than anything, and I'm going to take the Rays while they're hot. I think this is an easy price to take them at, even though both teams are listed in minus money right now. The Royals have better pitching tonight, but the Rays have hotter bats and better momentum right now as they chase down the Yankees. Give me the Rays.
Final Rays-Royals Prediction & Pick: Rays ML (-116)
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