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Tampa Bay (56-39) at Boston (47-48)
- When: Jul 18 2026, 4:10 PM
- Where: Fenway Park, Boston
- TV: RAYS
Tampa Bay vs Boston MLB Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Boston -115
Runline: Boston -1.5 (+175)
Total: 9.5
The Boston Red Sox are riding an 11-game winning streak, which means Fenway Park currently has more confidence than a guy holding a five-team parlay with four legs already cashed.
Boston enters as a -115 moneyline favorite, with the -1.5 run line priced at +175. The total is sitting at 9.5 runs, suggesting oddsmakers expect either offensive fireworks or several pitchers politely donating baseballs to the Green Monster.
Seymour’s Homecoming Headache
Massachusetts-raised Ian Seymour makes his first career start at Fenway Park. Seymour is 6-2 with a 4.59 ERA, but his final start before the break was uglier than a gas-station hot dog at midnight. He surrendered six runs over just 3 1/3 innings against Seattle.
Still, Seymour has handled Boston well, posting a 1-0 record and 1.13 ERA across three career appearances against the Red Sox. He also struck out a career-high 12 Yankees two starts ago, so the talent is clearly there—somewhere beneath all those missed first-pitch strikes.
Boston Is Suddenly Unstoppable
The Red Sox have won 11 straight games and own an MLB-best 19-5 record since June 19. Their pitching staff has allowed only nine runs across the last eight games, which is extremely rude to opposing hitters.
Wilyer Abreu launched two homers in Friday’s nightcap and now has nine games with multiple extra-base hits this season. Boston also received a Willson Contreras bomb while completing a doubleheader sweep of Tampa Bay.
Meanwhile, the Rays have dropped seven of their last 11 and allowed at least five runs in three consecutive games. Junior Caminero homered Friday, but one swing cannot repair an entire pitching staff held together with tape and positive affirmations.
Sandoval’s Second Act
Patrick Sandoval makes his second start since returning from Tommy John surgery. He owns a 2.08 ERA this season and allowed one run over his return outing while striking out five. Sandoval also carries a solid 3.19 career ERA against Tampa Bay.
LVSB Betting Prediction
Boston is scorching, Tampa Bay is wobbling and Fenway should remain loud. Seymour’s history against Boston is impressive, but the Red Sox lineup is currently treating opposing pitchers like batting-practice volunteers.
Final Score: Red Sox 6, Rays 4
Lean: Boston Red Sox ML (-115)
Total: Over 9.5 (-115)
- MLB Baseball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
