MLB Predictions… The Tampa Bay Rays will attempt to protect its lead in the AL East, a lead that has shrunk to mere percentage points over the Boston Red Sox with less than two weeks left in the regular season. On the other hand, the Red Sox are a win away from taking over the top-spot outright and will get that chance tonight when they send right handed ace Josh Beckett Andy Sonnanstine . The Rays right hander has a 4.47 ERA to go along with a 13-7 record this season. to the mound to face the Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburgh Fla. Beckett has a 12-9 record and a 4.10 ERA this season. Beckett's opponent in this one will be
MLB Predictions Betting Line… Oddsmakers at online sportsbook Bodog (Bodoglife.com) have installed Beckett and the Red Sox as -137 money line favorites with an 8 ½ total. Rays backers are getting +127 money line juice in this game.
Beckett looked strong in his last outing against Tampa Bay. The Red Sox ace went six innings, allowing six hits and just one run. Most importantly, Beckett struck out seven in his abbreviated work, six of which came in the third and fourth innings. In those two frames, he looked every bit the dominant postseason pitcher he's been. Still working his pitch count up in his second start since coming off the disabled list, manager Terry Francona lifted Beckett of his duties against the Rays after 84 pitches.
Sonnanstine received a no-decision in his last outing, on Wednesday against the Red Sox. He allowed no earned runs over seven innings. The right-hander struck out seven while walking none before leaving after 96 pitches. Sonnanstine is 6-3 with a 4.93 ERA in 13 starts at Tropicana Field this season.
David Ortiz went 2-for-4 with a three-run shot and four runs batted in, as the Red Sox cruised past the Rays 13-5 on Tuesday night.
Boston cashed as -115 road favorites as the game played over the 8.5-run total listed by oddsmakers.
Kevin Youkilis was 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and three RBIs for the Red Sox, while Daisuke Matsuzaka allowed one run over five innings to get the win for Boston.
Dan Johnson and Justin Ruggiano had two-run dingers for Tampa Bay, as Scott Kazmir was rocked for nine runs over three innings to take the loss for the Rays.
MLB Prediction … Got to go with Beckett and the Sox (-137) who can smell the AL East lead from here.
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