Hot-hitting Owen Miller will be looking to extend his 11-game hitting streak as the Milwaukee Brewers (24-20) match up against the Tampa Bay Rays (33-13) at Tropicana Field on Saturday. The Rays took Friday’s series opener 1-0.
Jason Adam threw one scoreless inning out of the bullpen to get the win, and Pete Fairbanks picked up his fourth save with a scoreless ninth. Francisco Mejia went 1 for 2 with one RBI in the win. Darin Ruf was 2 for 2 with a walk for the Brewers. Jesse Winker went 1 for 1.
ON THE MOUND
For Tampa Bay, right-hander Zach Eflin (5-1, 3.38 ERA) will take the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Brewers. Eflin made one start against the Brewers in 2022, throwing four innings for the Phillies in an 8-3 road win on June 9.
He gave up four hits and walked three, while striking out two in the no-decision. In his last start on Sunday, Eflin got the win on the road against the Yankees.
He threw six innings and gave up four runs on seven hits, striking out nine and walking one in the 8-7 triumph. The right-hander is tied for third in the AL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Milwaukee has averaged only 2.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.2, while slashing worse across the board (.220/.281/.348). Against right-handed pitchers like Eflin this season, the Brew Crew have a .725 OPS.
Rowdy Tellez is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .863 OPS in 107 at-bats. Tampa Bay is averaging only 5.2 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 6.0 for the season.
HOME AND AWAY
Milwaukee is 11-12 away from American Family Field in 2023, scoring 3.7 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. Tampa Bay has gone 20-3 at Tropicana Field this season, averaging 5.8 runs per game while surrendering 2.5.
The teams have split their last 10 games at Tropicana Field, though Milwaukee has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 2.6-2.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Brewers lead the NL Central by zero games over the Pirates. The Rays lead the AL East by three games over the Orioles.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
TB Rays (-210)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
