Red Sox vs. Rays Prediction and Odds (Boston Brings a Worryingly High ERA into the Weekend)

The Boston Red Sox close out their three-game series on the road against their AL Rival Tampa Bay Rays.

Both teams squeaked out one run wins over the weekend. Despite this, the Red Sox have to be a bit let down by their tepid start to the year. Since losing two of three to start the year vs. the Yankees, Boston has been up and down, most recently dropping two of three to the Blue Jays. They can ill afford to keep losing games to division opponents at this rate. 

Meanwhile, the Rays are back to playing solid baseball despite their .500 record. They had a rough patch early on, losing five of six after sweeping their opening series. But, that opening series was against the Orioles and I think gave them a false sense of confidence. I also think they have begun to crawl back to reality after winning two of their last three. 

Here are the odds for this game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Red Sox vs. Rays Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

• Red Sox: -1.5 (-140)
• Rays: +1.5 (+120)

Moneyline:

• Red Sox: +155
• Rays: -180

Total: 7.5 (Over +100/Under -120)

Red Sox vs. Rays Prediction and Pick

One issue that has been holding the Red Sox back has been their pitching. They have the 20th worst ERA in the league at 3.82 and the 22nd worst WHIP at 1.29.

Rich Hill has been a major contributor to that ERA after two ugly starts to begin the season. Hill enters the weekend with a 7.00 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, and a -0.2 WAR. The 42-year-old southpaw surrendered four runs in 4 ⅔ innings on Monday to the Twins in a losing effort. He gave up two home runs and six hits while walking two. 

The Rays present a real danger for Hill with the eighth-best batting average in the league at .251. Tampa Bay is also the sixth highest-scoring team in the league after the first couple of weeks. Shane McClanahan gets the start for TB and he’s looked quite impressive thus far. The lefty has a 2.40 ERA and 1.00 WHIP so far in his sophomore campaign. I’m willing to bet he keeps rolling on Sunday. 

Pick: Rays ML (-180)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE