New York Mets (20-23) vs Tampa Bay Rays (32-11)
Game Info: Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 1:10 pm (Citi Field)
Tylor Megill (4-2) (4.02) vs Taj Bradley (3-0) (3.52)
Betting Odds: New York Mets -111 / Tampa Bay Rays -105 --- Over/Under: 9 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Mets will wrap up their three-game set in Queens this Thursday from Citi Field. New York took game two in extras on a Pete Alonso walk off bomb, 8-7.
Rays Betting Preview
Tampa Bay comes in at 32-12 after losing to New York. The Rays’ time in NYC has dealt them three one-run losses to the Yanks and Mets, and they’ll look to leave on a positive note here. The Tampa offense is scoring 6.52 runs per game, while batting .275, with a .349 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 3.30 ERA, with a 1.15 WHIP. Harold Ramirez has produced three runs in two games versus the Mets, and he leads the Rays in BA (.324). Randy Arozarena has RBIs in four of six games in New York, and he’s up to a team-high 35. Wander Franco is hitless in both games against the Mets, but he leads Tampa in hits (49).
Taj Bradley (3-0, 3.52 ERA, 23 Ks) will take the bump for Tampa. The rookie pitcher was recalled from triple-A ball for their final leg of a ten-game road trip. Bradley racked up a 3-0 record through three starts, and he tossed nine strikeouts in 5.1 scoreless innings in his lone road bout in Cincinnati.
Mets Betting Preview
New York moved to 21-23 after defeating Tampa Bay. The Mets got back into the win column last night, and they’ll look to win consecutive games for the first time in over a month. The New York offense is scoring 4.37 runs per game, while batting .240, with a .332 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 4.77 ERA, with a 1.37 WHIP. Brandon Nimmo leads the team in batting (.299), despite being hitless versus Tampa. Pete Alonso has homered in both meetings, and he’s up to team-leads in HR (14) and RBI (33).
Tylor Megill (4-2, 4.02 ERA, 31 Ks) will get the call for New York. The third-year pitcher responded to a loss to Colorado with a winning effort in DC against the Nats last week, going five full innings, and allowing just one run. Megill has only pitched one quality start this season through eight outings, and he hasn’t surpassed five strikeouts since his season debut in Miami.
Tampa Bay vs New York Trends
Tampa is 27-17 against the spread this season, with a 25-16-3 O/U record. New York is 16-28 ATS this year, with a 20-23-1 over/under record.
Corey’s Free Pick
Last night’s contest provided the fireworks, and I think the visitors find a way to strike some revenge in their final road game. Tampa had game two won yesterday before squandering on the mound late, and they should be able to find more success at the plate against Tylor Megill. The Rays have been the sharper team, and I like them leaving NYC with a victory. Back Tampa for the series finale, and give the Over a look in case of another high-scoring battle.
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Corey’s Pick Rays ML
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
