Tampa Bay (71-75) at Cleveland (84-62)
- When: Sep 12 2024, 7:15 PM
- Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland
- Where to watch: FOX
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Tampa Bay Rays @ Cleveland Guardians
Moneyline
Tampa Bay Rays +129
Cleveland Guardians -154
Tampa Bay Rays @ Cleveland Guardians
Runline
Tampa Bay Rays 1.5 (-170)
Cleveland Guardians -1.5 (+145)
Tampa Bay Rays @ Cleveland Guardians
Total
Over 7.5 (-115)
Under 7.5 (-105)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Tampa Bay: Ryan Pepiot (8-6, 3.66)
Cleveland: Gavin Williams (3-8, 5.25)
Team Stats
| Rays | Guardians | |
| 71-75 | Record | 84-62 |
| 34-37 | Away & Home | 41-37 |
| 4-6 | Last 10 | 7-3 |
| L3 | Streak | W3 |
Game Preview
As the Cleveland Guardians make a strong push in the final stretch of the regular season, they are set to host the Tampa Bay Rays, led by pitcher Ryan Pepiot, in a four-game series starting Thursday at home.
Cleveland (84-62), after a rough patch from early August to late August, has recently regained momentum, winning nine of their last 13 games. This resurgence includes a sweep over the Chicago White Sox, culminating in a 6-4 victory on Wednesday.
"It’s crunch time—it’s all about winning the division now," said Guardians catcher Austin Hedges, who hit a home run in Wednesday’s game, in a post-game interview with Bally Sports Cleveland. "We’re in a good spot, but there’s room to improve. We’re on the right track."
Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas, who arrived from Washington earlier in the season, is finding his groove, hitting .405 with 13 RBIs this September. His adjustment period seems to have paid off, as noted by manager Stephen Vogt.
"Lane’s adjustment to the team took some time, but now he’s settled and producing quality at-bats," Vogt mentioned in an MLB.com interview.
On the mound for the Rays, Ryan Pepiot (8-6, 3.66 ERA) takes the spotlight, having previously shut out the Guardians in July over six innings. Despite a stint on the injured list shortly after, Pepiot has maintained a strong performance, with a 2.31 ERA over his last nine starts.
"Staying focused pitch by pitch helped me navigate through tough innings," Pepiot reflected on his recent outing against the Orioles.
Pepiot holds a record of 1-0 with a 0.90 ERA in two career appearances against Cleveland.
The Rays (71-75), despite taking a series from Baltimore, struggled offensively in a subsequent sweep by Philadelphia, managing only seven runs across three games. However, Yandy Diaz has been a consistent performer, hitting .400 with eight RBIs over the last ten games.
Facing off against Pepiot is Cleveland’s Gavin Williams (3-8, 5.25 ERA), who aims to rebound from a challenging start against the Dodgers where he exited in the first inning after surrendering five runs.
"Williams was just a bit off with his control, which led to early struggles," said Vogt about his pitcher’s last performance.
Williams had previously held Tampa Bay to just two runs in five innings during a July encounter, demonstrating better control in his pitches.
As both teams face off, they look to capitalize on this crucial series to bolster their postseason ambitions.
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Tampa Bay 4-3
The Pick: Tampa Bay +129 & Under 7½ (-105)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $447
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
