The Tampa Bay Rays (57-34) host the Atlanta Braves (59-28) at Tropicana Field on Saturday. The Braves took Friday’s series opener 2-1.
Charlie Morton went 6.1 innings, allowing one run on four hits, to get the win, and Raisel Iglesias picked up his 16th save with a scoreless ninth.
Sean Murphy was 1 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Wander Franco went 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Rays.
ON THE MOUND
Spencer Strider (10-2, 3.66 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Atlanta. The RHP leads MLB in strikeouts (155). He also ranks second in the NL in wins. Strider allowed three runs (two earned) over 6.2 innings in his last start, a 6-3 road win over the Marlins on Sunday.
He was credited with the win, yielding six hits while striking out nine and walking one. RHP Taj Bradley (5-4, 5.27 ERA) will take the mound for Tampa Bay.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Braves. In his last start on Sunday, Bradley took a no-decision on the road against the Mariners. He threw 3.1 innings and gave up five runs on nine hits, striking out three and walking one in the 7-6 loss.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Atlanta has averaged 5.0 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 5.6. Against righties like Bradley this season, the Braves have a .813 OPS, the highest in the league. Ronald Acuna Jr. has the team’s best on-base percentage against right-handers at .411 over 246 at-bats.
Tampa Bay is averaging only 2.6 runs per game in the last five, down from 5.4 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.182/.242/.321).
The Rays have a .783 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the third highest in MLB. With a .404 OBP over 183 at-bats, Yandy Diaz has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Atlanta is 29-13 in away games in 2023, scoring 5.5 runs per game while allowing 3.5 runs. Tampa Bay has lost four in a row at their home ballpark.
The Rays are 34-14 at home this season, averaging 5.5 runs per game while surrendering 3.7. The teams have split their last 10 meetings at Tropicana Field, though Tampa Bay has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.1-3.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Braves lead the NL East by nine games over the Marlins. The Rays are first in the AL East, zero games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Atlanta Braves (-150)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
