Arizona Diamondbacks vs Tampa Bay Rays – Breakdown and Prediction

August 18, 2024

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Tampa Bay Rays: Can the Rays sweep the series?

The Arizona Diamondbacks are visiting the Tampa Bay Rays to close out the series today at Tropicana Field.

The Diamondbacks have a promising season

The Arizona Diamondbacks are third in the NL West with a 69-55, including 32-29 on the road. After winning six consecutive games, the Diamondbacks lost the first two games in Tampa. Arizona has a 4.46 ERA, a .257 batting average, a .322 on-base percentage, and 1.33 walks plus hits per inning pitched. Ketel Marte is the best player on the team, with 130 hits, 81 runs, and 30 home runs so far in the season.

The Rays are at .500

The Tampa Bay Rays are fourth in the AL East with a 61-61 record and 33-34 at home. After being swept in the series against the Houston Astros, they won the first two in the series against Arizona. Tampa Bay has a 3.94 ERA, a .239 batting average, a .303 on-base percentage, and 1.23 walks plus hits per inning pitched. Yandy Diaz leads the team with 124 and 45 runs, while Isaac Paredes leads with 16 home runs.

Betting Trends

The Rays are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against Arizona and 6-3 SU in their last 9 games against teams from the NL. Tampa Bay has played under the total run line in 10 of their last 14 games overall and 11 of their last 16 home games. The Diamondbacks are 14-4 SU in their last 18 games overall and 7-3 SU in their last 10 games on the road. Arizona has played over the total run line in 13 of their last 20 games overall, 14 of their last 19 games against teams from the AL and 6 of their last 7 games against teams from the AL East.

Prediction and Conclusion

The Arizona Diamondbacks were just under the top spot in the NL West, but losing the first two games in the series against the Rays has dropped them three games behind the leading Los Angeles Dodgers. The Diamondbacks will try to get back on winning track with Merrill Kelly, who is 3-0 for the season with a 2.43 ERA, 23 K, 29.2 IP, and 0.94 WHIP. The Rays will go with Drew Rasmussen, who is 0-0 for the season with a 5.40 ERA, 6 K, 5 IP, and 1.20 WHIP. Both pitchers have seen limited action this season, so this is a huge chance for both of them. However, the Diamondbacks are a much better team and need this game more, which will be the key factor in this game, so we go with the D-Backs today.