The Boston Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays today, Tuesday August 16th, for a double header as they complete a three-game set in a 28-hour span. The Rays are 1-4 SU in the last 5 meetings against the Sox. For the day game MLB oddsmakers have the Red Sox as -160 moneyline home favourites over the Rays (+150) with the over/under set at 8 runs. For the night game the Red Sox are listed as -148 moneyline favorites over the Rays (+140) with the over/under at 9 runs. Be sure to get your Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox prediction in now.
Tampa Bay (64-55, 33-27 V) has won seven of their last ten games and they split a two game road series against the Yankees. The Rays are eight games back from leading Yankees and Sox in the AL East. Good news for Rays is the Sox Kevin Youkilis is 4 for 37 against starting pitcher James Shields and 0 for 8 versus night starter Jeff Niemann. This is the Rays' fifth doubleheader at Boston. The teams split the first two, but the Red Sox swept the most recent ones in 2004 and '09.
James Shields (11-9, 2.80 ERA) recorded his major league-leading eighth complete game with a six-hitter in a 4-0 victory over Kansas City last Tuesday. But, Shields has gone 1-7 with a 7.71 ERA in eight career starts at Fenway.
Jeff Niemann (7-4, 3.43), who has gone 6-0 with a 2.17 ERA over his last nine outings, opposes Bedard. He won his third straight start by limiting the Royals to one run over 6 1/3 innings in a 4-1 victory Thursday.
Boston (73-46, 37-22 H) has lost five of their last ten games and they won four of their last seven at home. The defending division champions will take the field after two days off since Sunday's game against New York was postponed due to rain.
Jon Lester (11-6, 3.32) has lost his last two outings and allowed four runs over 7 1/3 innings of a 5-2 defeat at Minnesota last Wednesday. But, he is 4-0 with a 1.60 ERA in six day starts. The left-hander is 9-4 with a 3.81 ERA in 17 regular-season starts versus the Rays, but he's 2-4 with a 6.19 ERA in his last six home outings against them. The Rays' B.J. Upton is 7 for 42 against Rays starter Jon Lester.
Erik Bedard (4-7, 3.55) will toss in the nightcap. Bedard has posted a 4.50 ERA and has not earned a decision in two five-inning stints for Boston, which acquired him from Seattle on July 31. Bedard's 11 wins over Tampa Bay are his most against any team. However, he went 0-1 with an 8.64 ERA in two outings against the Rays this year with the Mariners.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Red Sox are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings when Lester faces Shields.
Over is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings in Boston.
Under is 5-1 in Lesters last 6 starts vs. Rays.
Under is 8-3-1 in Shields' last 12 starts vs. Red Sox.
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Red Sox are 5-2 in Lesters last 7 starts vs. Rays.
Rays are 6-14 in Shields' last 20 starts vs. Red Sox.
Red Sox are 2-5 in Lesters last 7 home starts vs. Rays.
Rays are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.
Rays are 1-7 in Shields' last 8 road starts vs. Red Sox.
Rays are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings when Shields faces Lester.
Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox
When: Tuesday August 16th@1:05 PM ET
Pick: Sox -160
Point-Spreads recommends you check out MLB Odds before the Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox games.
The Bottom Line: Sox will take both, since having two days rest at home. Be sure to get your Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox prediction in now.
