In Rays vs Guardians Game 1, MLB fans were treated to an old-fashioned pitcher’s duel. The Cleveland Guardians slipped past the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 behind a masterclass performance from Shane Bieber. Bieber pitched 7 and 2/3 innings, fanning eight while giving up just three hits and one earned run. Can the Guardians finish the job or will the Rays force Game 3?
This MLB betting preview for the AL Wild Card MLB Playoffs Rays vs Guardians Game 2 includes game info, starting pitchers, betting odds, trends and a prediction for today’s postseason matchup.
Tampa Bay Rays vs Cleveland Guardians Prediction | AL Wild Card MLB Playoffs Game 2
AL Wild Card MLB Playoffs Game 2 (CLE leads 1-0)
Tampa Bay Rays (86-76, 35-46 Away) vs. Cleveland Guardians (92-70, 46-35 Home)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 8, 2021
Time: 12:07 p.m. EST
Venue: Progressive Field — Cleveland, OH
Coverage: ESPN2
Rays vs Guardians Starting Pitchers
Rays: Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 1.35 ERA)
Guardians: Triston McKenzie (11-11, 2.96 ERA)
Tampa Bay Rays Preview
The Tampa Bay Rays were able to shut down the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1, but as has been the issue at times this season, the offense was nonexistent. In their defense, Shane Bieber was absolutely dealing. With that in mind, Bieber is hardly the toughest pitcher the Rays will have to face if they progress in the playoffs. If Tampa Bay can’t produce more than a few hits, they may be flying home Saturday night.
The good news for the Rays is that their pitching was as good as it needed to be. Shane McClanahan pitched a gem himself and giving up just two runs is usually enough to earn a win. In Game 2 the Rays will get the long-awaited return of their ace Tyler Glasnow from injury. If he can return to his form of years past, the Rays may only need a run or two to win Game 2.
Cleveland Guardians Preview
The Guardians may only have scored two runs in Game 1, but it wasn’t due to a lack of hits. The Guardians were able to compile eight hits and a Jose Ramirez two-run home run in the sixth inning was enough to get them the win. The middle of the order was fantastic for Cleveland as the two through five hitters were 6-15 (.400). If the Guardians can simply string some of their hits together, they will be a tough team to beat.
Not only was Shane Bieber automatic in Game 1, but so was their closer Emmanuel Clase. Clase went through 1 1/3 innings in just 11 pitches. It’s a huge win for Cleveland to have Clase at their disposal should they need him in Game 2. Game 2 starter Triston McKenzie has been lights out lately, posting a 2.14 ERA in the month of September and a 5-3 home record this season.
Rays vs Guardians Odds | MLB Playoffs Predictions
MLB betting odds for Rays vs Guardians are taken from BetOnline Sportsbook.
Moneyline: TB: (-103) | CLE: (-107)
Run Line: TB: +1.5 (-250) | CLE: -1.5 (+210)
Total: 5.5 — Over: (-120) | Under: (+100)
Public (Spread) Betting via Action Network: TB: (26%) | CLE: (74%)
Rays vs Guardians MLB Betting Trends
- Tampa Bay is 0-5 straight up in their last five games.
- The total has gone over in one of The Rays’ last five games.
- Tampa Bay is 1-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last five games.
- Cleveland is 3-2 straight up in their last five games.
- The total has gone over in all five of Cleveland’s last five games.
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Rays vs Guardians Stats
- Tampa Bay is averaging 4.11 runs per game (RPG) this season (No. 21 in the MLB).
- Tampa Bay is surrendering 3.79 RPG this season (No. 6 in the MLB).
- Cleveland is averaging 4.31 RPG this season (No. 15 in the MLB).
- Cleveland is surrendering 3.91 RPG this season (No. 8 in the MLB).
Rays vs Guardians MLB Weather Report
Status: Partly Cloudy
Temperature: 51℉
Humidity: 57%
Precipitation: 0%
Wind: 14 MPH (blowing out to center)
Rays vs Guardians Prediction | AL Wild Card MLB Playoffs Game 2
The Rays vs Guardians MLB betting prediction uses NumberFire’s probability model. They give Cleveland a 54.3% chance to win Game 2 of this AL Wild Card MLB Playoffs matchup.
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