The Tampa Bay Rays will host the Chicago White Sox tonight for game two of their four game set at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Chicago took game one yesterday in a tightly contested 3-2 ball game. This evening's contest is scheduled to get underway at 7:38pm ET.
Chicago White Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays MLB Tips at BetUS.com have the Rays listed as a big favorite at -175 moneyline odds.
The White Sox moved into a tie for the AL Central lead last night, beating Tampa Bay 3-2 at the Trop. Chicago cranked out 14 hits, but left 11 runners on base, thus putting their fate in the hands of starting pitcher John Danks. Danks delivered for his teammates, working six innings and giving up just two hits and one earned run while striking out eight.
Jermaine Dye proved to be the hero for the Sox offensively as he continued his hot early season play. The right fielder went 3-for-5 with a run and two RBI. Dye is currently hitting .400 with three home runs and six runs driven in.
Tampa Bay wasted a suitable, workmanlike effort from fifth starter Jeff Niemann. The 26 year old right hander gave up nine hits in six innings, but was only tagged for two earned runs. First baseman Carlos Pena, however, did his part to help by hitting his fifth home run of the season.
The loss dropped the Rays 4-6 on the season and just 1-3 at Tropicana Field.
Tampa Bay will look to ace James Shields to end their current three game losing skid, as he will take the mound tonight for manager Joe Maddon. Shields is 1-1 so far this year with a 3.65 ERA. The California native recovered from a rough season opening loss at Boston, where he gave up five earned runs in five innings, by leading the Rays to an 11-3 win over Baltimore on April 12th. The 27 year old went seven innings in that uneven affair, allowing no earned runs and three hits.
Opposing Shields this evening is veteran righty, Bartolo Colon. Colon, who started just seven games in 2008, is off to a 1-0 start this season. The 35 year old pitched six solid innings against the Twins back on the 11th, giving up a paltry three hits and no earned runs.
BetUS.com's Chicago White Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays MLB Tips:
Chicago White Sox +1.5 (-140), Over 8.5 (-115), -155 (Moneyline)
Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (+120), Under 8.5 (-105), -175 (Moneyline)
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