The Tampa Bay Rays, owners of the best record in the major leagues, play at Yankee Stadium Thursday night against the New York Yankees. It is the second of a two-game series. Tampa Bay snapped a six-game losing streak at Yankee Stadium Wednesday night by defeating the Yankees 10-6 to extend their AL East lead over second-place New York to four games.
The baseball betting lines list the Yankees as favorites at -145 and the Rays at +125 with an over/under of 9.
The New York Yankees (25-15, 13-5 home) have been dominant on offense this season. They lead the league in runs scored (231), OBP (.367), and OPS (.820). They are second in slugging percentage (.453). Second baseman Robinson Cano is a big reason for the Yankees success on offense. He is fifth in the AL in batting average (.340) and he has hit nine home runs this season. He had four hits Wednesday and is 8 for 18 against Tampa Bay in four games this season.
Wednesday night’s series opener ended after the Yankees scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth to bring them within four but the rally fell short. They lost consecutive home games for the first time this season. The banged-up Yankees, who are already sitting Jorge Posada and Nick Swisher due to injury, lost left fielder Marcus Thames Wednesday night when he sprained his ankle after stepping on his own rolling bat.
The Tampa Bay Rays (29-11, 16-4 away) are second to New York in runs scored (217) but their pitching staff is the best in the league. They lead the AL in ERA (2.69), quality starts (29), opponents batting average (.226).
Tampa Bay’s offense tagged Yankees pitcher AJ Burnett Wednesday night for six runs. Burnett entered the game with a 12-4 career record against Tampa Bay. They were helped by safely stealing six bases. They are now tied with Chicago for the AL lead in stolen bases with 45. They have stolen 13 bases in four games against New York this season.
The Yankees will start Andy Pettite (5-0, 1.79 ERA). Pettite leads the AL in ERA and will be going for his sixth win Thursday night. The left-hander has never won his first six decisions. He is 16-5 with a 3.88 ERA in 28 starts against Tampa Bay but is 3-3 with a 4.58 ERA against them since 2008.
James Shields (4-1, 3.00 ERA) will hope to lead Tampa Bay to their sixth straight win Thursday night. The right-hander has struggled against New York in his career, going 1-7 with 5.76 ERA in 10 games against New York.
