The Orioles and Rays are set to clash for the first time this season at Camden Yards in Baltimore, marking an AL East rivalry weekend. The Rays are taking to the road after spending their last three series at home, kicking off their short road trip in Maryland. Interestingly, after their weekend series against the Orioles, the Rays will head down to Miami for two games, before welcoming the Orioles back at their home ground, the Trop!
Despite this, let’s discuss today’s game! Aaron Civale is the starting pitcher for the visiting team, while the Orioles are deploying their 34-year-old relief pitcher, Albert Suarez. He has had four starts this season and is coming off a brilliant performance; however, I don’t predict a lengthy stay for him. In his four starts this year, he’s managed to secure two victories, and interestingly, the Orioles have won three out of the four games he has started. Could they increase that tally tonight?
AL East Weekend Rivalry at Camden Yards
This season, Randy Arozarena has a batting average of only .159.
Matchup Information
- Location & Venue: Camden Yards (Baltimore, MD)
- Date: Friday, May 31st, 2024
- First Pitch: 7:05pm Eastern
Pitching Matchup
- Aaron Civale of Tampa Bay Rays: (2-4, 5.72 ERA)
- Baltimore Orioles: Albert Suarez (2-0, 1.53 ERA)
Betting Odds
Odds via BetOnline, an industry leader in the sports betting world.
Run Line
- Rays +1.5 (-160)
- Orioles -1.5 (+140)
Money Line
- Rays +130
- Orioles -142
Total
- Over 8 (-115)
- Under 8 (-105)
Orioles Bats Have Been Hot at Home
This year, Rutschman leads the Orioles with a .299 batting average.
It’s astonishing to consider that almost two months into the season, these division rivals haven’t yet faced each other. However, we are set for 7 games between them in the next 10 days. But for the moment, let’s focus on tonight’s matchup.
Aaron Civale is the starting pitcher for the Rays, and to put it bluntly, his performance this year has been disappointing. He has conceded a run in every single one of his 11 starts, resulting in a 5.72 ERA. His recent form hasn’t shown any signs of improvement, having allowed at least 2 runs in his last 9 starts and a home run in the past 6 consecutive games. Out of his 11 starts, 10 have involved a home run. Civale seems particularly vulnerable when pitching away from home, as evidenced by his 7.50 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in his four road starts. Given these statistics, the Orioles batters should find it easy to score against him.
The difference in run differential between these teams is also remarkable. The Rays trail Baltimore by 8.5 games and have a run differential of -48 this season. On the other hand, Baltimore has a significantly better +69 run differential. They are 4th and 3rd in the American League in terms of runs scored and runs allowed, respectively.
Additionally, the Rays have an equal win-loss ratio of 11-11 away from home, while the Orioles have a strong home record of 19-11 at Camden Yards. Baltimore is on a roll, having won 6 of their last 7 games. Even with Suarez starting, I have faith in the Orioles’ batting lineup to pull through. I’m fully backing the Orioles today.
Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles Best Bets
This season, Gunnar Henderson is leading the Orioles in HR and RBIs.
Best Bets: Orioles ML (-142) BetOnline
I have placed a bet of 1.5u on the Orioles MoneyLine today, expecting to win 1.06. BetOnline offered the best odds in the market. I have faith in the Orioles’ performance, particularly at home. So much so, I’ve also placed a half unit bet on the run line. Even if it’s a ‘bullpen game’, I believe Baltimore will perform well at home. Albert Suarez delivered 4 shutout innings in his previous game, and the Orioles are keen to keep pace with the Yankees in the AL East standings.
I have no faith in the Rays, to be honest. They have been inconsistent, winning 3 of their last 4 games but losing 6 consecutively before that, resulting in a 3-7 record in their last 10 games. Most of these games were at home and their performance on the road has been lackluster. I’d prefer to place my bets on the home team playing on a Friday night under the lights. I predict a strong win for the Orioles tonight.
Bonus Bets: Orioles -1.5 (+140) BetOnline
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