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Boston (83-70) at Tampa Bay (75-78)
- When: Sep 19 2025, 7:35 PM
- Where: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa
- Where to watch: FDSSUN
Red Sox vs. Rays – Game Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline: Boston -132
Spread: Boston -1.5 (+138)
Total: 7.0
Boston Red Sox Betting Outlook
September baseball hasn’t been kind to Boston, but Alex Cora’s club still controls its playoff destiny. The Red Sox (83-70) slipped in their series against Oakland, dropping two of three, but they remain narrowly ahead in the AL wild-card race.
Garrett Crochet (16-5, 2.63 ERA) takes the mound, and he’s been electric since June, owning a 12-1 record and a 3.02 ERA over that stretch. Crochet has also handled Tampa Bay well in limited appearances, sporting a 2.63 ERA in four career games. With a shaky 7-8 September mark, Boston needs its ace to stabilize the ship and fend off Cleveland’s playoff surge.
From a gambling standpoint, Boston is rightly favored here. With Crochet’s form and the urgency of the standings, the Red Sox should grind out a close win in a low-scoring affair.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Outlook
The Rays (75-78) may not be in the thick of the playoff picture, but they’ve still been making life tough for contenders. They split a series with Toronto, finishing it with a 4-0 shutout. Carson Williams and Chandler Simpson fueled the offense, while Shane Baz gave the club a much-needed boost on the mound.
Drew Rasmussen (10-5, 2.74 ERA) will duel Crochet in a matchup of frontline arms. He’s been steady against Boston in his career with a 3.00 ERA across nine games, but Tampa’s inconsistency on offense remains a problem. Williams showed flashes with his bat after breaking a cold streak, but this lineup has struggled to string together consistent production.
For bettors, the Rays’ value is tied to their ability to steal a low-scoring game. With Rasmussen on the hill, they’re capable of keeping it tight, but the edge goes to Boston.
MLB Prediction & Betting Angle
This matchup screams tight, low-scoring baseball with two strong arms on the hill. Garrett Crochet has been the backbone of Boston’s playoff push, while Drew Rasmussen is more than capable of keeping Tampa Bay competitive.
From a betting perspective, the Red Sox moneyline (-132) offers value given Crochet’s dominance since June. The Under 7.0 runs is also in play, with both pitchers in good form and recent trends favoring fewer fireworks.
Score Prediction: Red Sox 4, Rays 2
Pick: San Diego (-132)
Total: Under 7.0 (-106)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
