Boston (8-10) at Tampa Bay (8-8)
- When: Apr 15 2025, 7:05 PM
- Where: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa
- Where to watch: NESN
MLB Betting Preview & Predictions: Red Sox vs Rays
Moneyline: Tampa Bay -132 | Total: 9.0
The Tampa Bay Rays enter Tuesday night’s rematch against the Boston Red Sox with momentum on their side after a dominant 16-1 blowout in the series opener. Tampa Bay’s bats finally erupted, and now they look to lock up the series win as slight home favorites on the moneyline at -132. The total is set at 9.0, a number worth watching after the offensive explosion.
Tampa Bay Rays Outlook:
The Rays (now 8-8) finally put together their most complete offensive performance of the season Monday, piling up a season-high 16 runs on 16 hits. Every player in the starting lineup had a hit, a run, and an RBI by the end of the third inning — a dream scenario for Tampa backers and over bettors.
Kameron Misner launched two home runs, delivering three RBIs and giving Tampa’s offense a much-needed jolt. Misner and Jake Mangum have stepped in effectively due to injuries and may have earned more permanent roles if they keep producing.
Ryan Pepiot (1-1, 3.38 ERA) gets the start for Tampa and has been sharp to open the season. He’s faced the Red Sox three times in his career, posting a respectable 3.21 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 14 innings. Pepiot has also yet to give up more than three earned runs in any of his 2025 starts.
Boston Red Sox Outlook:
Boston (8-10) got steamrolled Monday and now turns to offseason acquisition Walker Buehler (1-1, 5.74 ERA) to stop the bleeding. While Buehler has issued just two walks in nearly 16 innings, he’s been hittable — giving up 18 hits, 10 earned runs, and three homers. His 0-1 lifetime mark against Tampa comes with no real data points as this will be his first career start vs. the Rays.
The Red Sox were flat from the start Monday and never recovered. With questions surrounding the consistency of Buehler and the lineup’s ability to respond, Boston needs a quick reset if they want to even the series.
Betting Prediction:
Tampa Bay’s offense may have turned a corner and Pepiot’s solid track record vs. Boston gives them the edge on the mound. If the bats stay hot, Tampa could cover the runline and send this one over the total.
Score Prediction: Rays 6, Red Sox 4
Best Bets:
Bets Bet: Rays ML (-132)
Total: Over 9.0 (+100)
Lean: Red Sox F5 ML – too risky with Buehler’s early struggles
This is a spot where Tampa Bay’s rhythm and home advantage could prove just enough to cash in again.
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
