September is rolling along, and the Baltimore Orioles play in a huge four-game series versus the Tampa Bay Rays. So, this may very well decide the American League East and the best record in the American League, too. As we look towards the postseason, we dive into this exciting Thursday night game. So, can Tampa Bay make a charge, or will Baltimore strengthen its division lead? VegasBetting brings the heat with Rays vs Orioles Betting Picks.
Can the Baltimore Orioles get one way closer to 100?
With excellent timing, the Baltimore Orioles are heating up again. Our memories of Baltimore are good, given their long-shot consideration when it came to futures early in the season. Few pundits believed in them at +5500. Baltimore now ranges between +800 and +1000 when it comes to winning the World Series. That is quite a jump. Also, the Orioles carry a 99.9% chance of making the postseason. In short, they’re a lock.
Baltimore has a very good record at home with a 43-27 mark but an even better mark away from home at 48-26 at press time. This Orioles squad remains one of the most balanced teams in baseball. They have the best record in the American League for a reason. Baltimore outscores its opponents by 120 runs, which is good for fifth in Major League Baseball.
Though they had a bit of a tough time with St. Louis this week, Baltimore got guilty of looking ahead to this weekend’s series with Tampa Bay. It is not a secret, and it is human for a team this ahead of expectations to get a little ahead of themselves. Now, the Rays have been here before. Baltimore has not contended like this in some time. This is expected to be quite an exciting series with many twists and turns.
Naturally, BetOnline and their online Sportsbook review, throw out some solid possible wagers. This weekend should tell us a good deal about Baltimore and their chances come October. At the least, how they do versus Tampa Bay could be an indicator of whether they start right in the Divisional Series or not. Let’s get moving!
Now, the Rays vs Orioles Betting Picks for Thursday figure to see some runs scored. Baltimore averages a little more than 5.1 runs a game. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay swings in at 5.3 runs per game (4th in MLB). Furthermore, the Rays yield a mere four runs per contest (tops in baseball). However, Baltimore gives up 4.05 runs in a contest at home (second in baseball). Anything Tampa Bay can do, Baltimore can do just as good.
VegasBetting wants to dive in a little deeper. Yes, Kyle Bradish is in some kind of roll. While he may not always be the most overpowering, the starting pitcher has been quite consistent. Bradish has gone six innings in each of his past five starts. He netted four wins and one no-decision in the process. Furthermore, the pitcher gave up two runs or fewer in every outing. Four of those five games were on the road as well.
The ace of the Baltimore staff may get little respect from Cy Young voters, but he does here. On the other hand, can he keep on striking batters out? We may get to that prop later. However, his ability to consistently go six innings helps the Baltimore bullpen out. Baltimore has eight guys who have hit 12 or more home runs. Furthermore, Anthony Santander leads their offense with 27 home runs and 84 RBIs. They are quite a machine at home.
Baltimore keeps playing well at the right time. Tampa Bay is now two games out of the division lead. 2023 represents the season of what could be. So, can the Orioles open their series on Thursday night versus the Rays with a win? That would boost their lead and give bettors a little more confidence in the team.
The baseballs are flying out, so is the over a good idea with Rays vs Orioles Betting Picks? Again, this pitching matchup looks great at face value. However, both teams average quite a few runs overall with these starters on the mound. Baltimore has averaged eight runs a game in Bradish’s last five outings. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay averaged 6.6 runs in the previous five Aaron Civil starts. It seems runs could be on the menu.
Alright, going for even an increased Over is even a possibility. While it could very well work, there is a somewhat safer possibility. With both teams capable of putting five runs across, the Over at 8.5 is only -120. Now, if the bettor is wondering, that 9.5 number rolls in at +120. Furthermore, the Baltimore Over 4.5 runs is -105, while Tampa Bay’s Over of 4.5 is currently +110.
Again, this Orioles squad believes they can score some runs against Tampa Bay. Considering Civale struggled of late, allowing 12 earned runs in his last 20.1 IP, this is a possibility. The adrenaline flowing with both teams figures to make the alternate over more of a possibility on Thursday.
MLB Online Betting Sites thinks here is a prop. Look at the Over on Kyle Bradish’s strikeouts. He averaged 7.8 per start in the last month.
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Chris Wassel is a skilled scribe who possesses a fervor for both sports and entertainment. Boasting a journalism background and over two decades of experience, he has crafted pieces that encompass a diverse array of sports including hockey, basketball, football, and others. His writing is characterized by its lucidity and sharpness, and provides a unique viewpoint on entertainment and political matters. While Chris primarily focuses on sports writing, he also writes about a wide range of subjects.