In this article, we will formulate an Orioles vs Rays prediction for this MLB game on Thursday, June 19, at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.

Baltimore Orioles Betting Preview

The Baltimore Orioles (31-42, 15-23 Away) responded to series losses to the Athletics and Tigers with a sweep of the Los Angeles Angels at home. They opened the current series against the Rays with a loss, bounced back with a 5-1 win in Game 2, and although they had an 8-0 lead early in Game 3 on Wednesday, the O’s suffered a 12-8 defeat in the end. Ramon Laureano and Colton Cowser led the offense with three RBI apiece, while Trevor Rogers pitched for 2.1 innings in a no-decision, allowing three runs on five hits with four strikeouts and three walks. Andrew Kittredge took the loss.

This season, the Orioles average 3.96 runs per game (24th in the MLB) on a .241/.306/.397 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Orioles’ staff has a 4.87 ERA (26th) and 1.40 WHIP (26th). Cedric Mullins leads the Orioles with a .229 batting average, 12 home runs, and 35 RBI this season.

Charlie Morton will take the mound for the Orioles on Thursday. The 41-year-old right-hander has a 3-7 record in ten starts this year with a 6.05 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 61.0 innings.

Tampa Bay Rays Betting Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays (41-33, 25-21 Home) swept the New York Mets prior to this series against Baltimore. They beat the Orioles 7-1 in Game 1 of the current series, lost Game 2, but came from 8-0 behind to secure a 12-8 victory in Game 3 on Wednesday. Brandon Lowe, Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda, and Jake Mangum led the team with two RBI apiece, while Taj Bradley pitched for 1.1 innings in a no-decision, allowing seven runs (six earned) on six hits with two strikeouts and one walk. Mason Montgomery was credited with the win.

This year, the Rays average 4.56 runs per game (10th in the MLB) on a .250/.317/.395 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Rays’ staff has a 3.44 ERA (7th) and 1.18 WHIP (3rd). Junior Caminero leads the Rays with a .264 batting average, 17 home runs, and 48 RBI this season.

The projected starting pitcher for the Rays is Drew Rasmussen, who is 6-4 in 14 starts this season, with a 2.55 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 74.0 innings.

Total Runs Facts

Four of the Orioles’ last five night games after playing the previous day have gone UNDER the total runs line.
Four of the Rays’ last five games against AL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the Orioles’ last seven night games against American League opponents.
The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Rays’ last eight Thursday games.

Matchup/League Facts

The Rays rank 3rd in the league for walks allowed this season (197).
The Rays rank 27th in the league for home runs allowed this season (97).
The Orioles rank 28th in the league for hits allowed this season (674).
The Orioles rank 27th in the league for ERA this season (4.98).

Orioles vs Rays Prediction

The teams have traded wins in the past couple of years, each recording five in the previous ten H2H encounters. Three of the last four H2Hs went Under, and I am backing another Under in this one because of the pitching matchup. Charlie Morton, who struggled for most of the season, improved significantly recently, as he allowed eight runs in his last seven starts and registered two shutouts in his previous three starts. Morton allowed a .129 BA in 31 at-bats against the Rays in his career. Drew Rasmussen, on the other hand, surrendered just six runs in his last six starts, four of which were shutouts. Rasmussen allowed a .154 BA in 39 at-bats against the Orioles in his career. Take the Under here.

Oliver Zivic's Pick: Under 8.5