MLB Baseball
2012-05-09 - Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Baseball : North America : MLB
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012, 7:05PM US
(12:05AM GMT)
PREVIEW
Tampa Bay are now 19-11 for the season, but on a 3 game losing streak. They are looking to avoid their second 4 game slump of the season by taking game 2 of this series in New York against the Yankees, who beat them 5-3 last night. I thought the Rays were a bit unfortunate to only score 3 runs yesterday, despite some good batting, they hit .242 to the Yankees .258 and I feel Tampa Bay could get closer to 5 or 6 today, which would be enough for a win.
The Rays go with Jeff Niemann today. The right-handed hurler is 2-3 with a 4.05ERA. So far, he has yet to give up more than 3 earned runs in any game, which is consistent enough, and while all his losses have come on the road this season, he does own a 3-0 record against the Yankees in 5 career starts. If he can keep Derek Jeter quiet, he should do well here.
The Yankees counter with a right-handed pitcher of their own, David Phelps. Phelps' first start was not a good one, and he is 0-1 with a 3.74ERA. He pitches mainly out of the bullpen, and his start lasted all of 4 innings, where he gave up 2 runs on 6 hits. That brings a number of concerns, that he lacks the control and form necessary, and that he won't last long, taxing the bullpen that now has to continue life without the magestic Rivera. Phelps is also very vulnerable to the long ball. In just under 22 innings he has allowed 5 homers.
I mentioned the Rays were unfortunate last night to not get more runs. This was particularly the case late in the game, when new Yankees closer David Robertson loaded the bases but escaped with a save. As you know, Yankees legend Mariano Rivera has done his leg and will not play again this season, maybe even ever. Losing him as a closer is a big blow and it will have an affect at the end of many games for the Yankees this season.
BETTING VERDICT
After a 3 game slump, and the chance to score a bunch yesterday but missing them, I will take the underdog price on Tampa Bay to score a few off Phelps and level the series.
The Pick :
Tampa Bay Rays
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take the Tampa Bay Rays to win @ 2.30 (Pinnacle)
