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MLB — 4/12/23

Dominant Rays Face Struggling Red Sox in Tropicana Showdown

By 
@kayboo1284
WagerWire Contributor
Randy Arozarena via Sports Illustrated

Surpassing expectations, the Tampa Bay Rays boast an 11-0 record reminiscent of the 1987 Milwaukee Brewers, as their 7-2 victory over the floundering Boston Red Sox leaves fans wondering: how long can this streak last?

Tonight at 6:40 pm EST, the two AL East foes are playing the third of four games at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays have won the previous two matchups, dominating Boston in a 7-2 victory last night.

While one team leads the AL East, the other sits at the bottom. The Red Sox (5-6) looked decent in Detroit but lost their pizazz on the way to Florida. Things don’t look much better tonight, as a lackluster Chris Sale takes the mound for Boston.

Struggling Sale

Chris Sale (1-0, 11.25 ERA) remains a wild card due to his injury-prone past. Despite recording his first win since 2021 last Thursday against the Tigers, many Red Sox fans are still skeptical about the 34-year-old lefthander.

The struggling pitcher may also flounder against an insane Rays lineup. The team is currently first in runs in the league (83) and has a .283 batting average. If the insane offense has games like the last two, this could be a short outing for Sale.

Bradley’s MLB Debut

The Rays’ top prospect, Taj Bradley, is taking the mound as he makes his MLB debut in place of an injured Zach Eflin. The right-hander has impressed many in the minor league with his fastball and athleticism, but the nerves from the big stage could provide a shaky start for Bradley.

However, unlike the Red Sox, Tampa has a dynamic bullpen to rely on if Bradley falters. The group is currently second in ERA (1.58) and first in WHIP (0.93) in the league. Combine the healthy bullpen with the fiery batting lineup, and Bradley has plenty of backups if needed.

WagerWire Prediction - Tampa Bay Rays Moneyline -136

Will the rookie Rays pitcher overcome his jitters, or will Sale play spoiler and end Tampa Bay’s undefeated reign?

While it’s true that all good things must come to an end, tonight is not that time. Look for the Rays to continue their streak and remain unbeaten in the 2023 season.