The Tampa Bay Rays (35-29, $495) and Washington Nationals (33-30, -$345) are set for a four game series split between stadiums.
The series heads to the Nation’s Capital on Wednesday for the third game.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Following a sweep over the weekend against the White Sox, the Rays hold onto a share of the lead in the AL East while their counterparts in this series find themselves just a half game off the pace in the NL East despite 11 losses in their last 16 games.
Historically, the Nats have won the last two games these teams have played, but going back a bit further the Rays are 5-4 against Washington over the last decade.
On the road this year, Tampa Bay is a solid 18-13 ($613), better than at home while the Nationals are better at home with their 16-12 mark (-$29).
PITCHING MATCHUP
Wednesday should be Jordan Zimmermann’s turn in the rotation for the Nationals and he will square off against Matt Andriese for the Rays.
Zimmermann is pitching in his contract year and after a bit of a bumpy start has been solid with a 5-4 record, 3.74 ERA and 1.377 WHIP over 77 innings of work.
The 29-year old right-hander, however, is coming off back-to-back rocky outings. In his last start, he lasted just three and a third innings, allowing six runs on nine hits. Previous to that, he gave up four runs through five innings.
While Zimmermann is in his seventh season in the big leagues, Andriese is in the midst of his rookie season, filling in for a number of Rays’ injuries.
The 25-year old righty is 1-1 with a 3.76 ERA and inflated 1.481 WHIP in eight games, including four starts and 26 1/3 innings. He has been quite hittable early on, with 11.3 per nine innings, but has done a good job limiting walks.
He is coming off his best outing of his career, going five and two thirds scoreless innings.
In the minors this year he had a 2.70 ERA in 20 innings and over parts of the last three years, he posted a 3.85 ERA in 241 Triple-A innings.
QUOTE TO NOTE
The Rays are flying high after sweeping the White Sox and beating Chris Sale 2-1 on Sunday. Manager Kevin Cash summed it up quite well, saying:
“We came in, we played some really good baseball.”
Simply put, that is what the Rays are doing right now. They are not dominating in any facet of the game, but playing good team ball.
LIVE/SITUATIONAL BETTING
Interestingly, while the Rays have found better results recently in terms of wins and losses, both teams have scored an identical number of runs (44) this month in the same number of games (13).
The number is not particularly high, but is enough for the Rays behind their strong pitching. Tampa Bay has never been an offensive juggernaut, though they do have some talent on the roster.
Of course, Evan Longoria is the cornerstone of this team and has put together a solid season with a .266/.344/.408 slash line.
While Longoria’s consistency helps, the production from players like Joey Butler, a 29-year old journeyman, who is hitting .339 with a .885 OPS, has been the real storyline.
On the other side, the Nationals have—arguably—the best hitter in the sport with Bryce Harper who is hitting .343/.479/.725 while leading the league in total bases (148), walks (52) and runs (48). Unfortunately, he is also dealing with a knee injury that kept him sidelined on Sunday.
Harper is the only one providing consistent power for the Nationals with 21 home runs. The next most on the team is the eight hit by Danny Espinosa who actually lost his starting spot last year due to insufficient offense. He, however, is second on the team in OPS this year at .800.
PROP TALK
Few Rays have had an at bat against Zimmermann and even fewer have recorded a hit. The only current Rays player to have a hit against him is James Loney who finds himself sidelined with a broken finger.
Without head-to-head history, we have to lean on current trends. With that, Harper is always a good pick to produce, but only if he’s healthy.
For the Rays, I would look to Kevin Kiermaier. The lefty has hit righties much better this year and has a .407 average here in June.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Based on pure stats, the offenses are about equal right now, leaving this one to pitching and defense.
Zimmermann certainly has the name recognition over Andriese, but the numbers are quite even this year. The bullpens are also evenly matched with the Rays pitching to a 3.55 ERA and the Nats to a 3.65.
Overall, I still give this to Washington as Zimmermann has the track record of success.
Washington 5, Tampa Bay 4
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Gamble on the game between every half inning with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen in the next at-bat or how many runs will be scored in the next inning. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at 7:05 p.m. ET at Nationals Park. The matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
