In the first of a two-game series between the Tampa Bay Rays (56-56) and the Atlanta Braves (51-61) at Tropicana Field, Erasmo Ramirez (8-4, 3.83 ERA) and Williams Perez (4-2, 4.48 ERA) take the mound. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 11 and will air on SUN and SPSO.
In his last start, Ramirez pitched 6.0 innings, giving up five runs, striking out two and walking two in a 6-5 loss to the White Sox. Logan Forsythe (.279, 45 Rs, 13 HRs, 50 RBIs, 7 SBs) continued his strong season Sunday, going 2 for 4. The Braves were unsuccessful to the Giants 6-1 the last time Perez pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing five runs (one unearned), striking out two and walking two.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Rays have an SU record of 9-6 against the National League. Over their past 10 games, Tampa Bay’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 5.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 3.7. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, the Tampa Bay pitching staff and defense has been very good, only giving up 3.8 runs per game. The Rays are the best in the AL in hits allowed, giving up just 7.9 per game.
Against teams in the American League, the Braves are 5-7 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 4.7 runs per game, above their 3.8 season average. The Braves are known for their bats, hitting 265 extra base hits. The last 10 games have really brought the worst out of the Atlanta pitchers. They allowed 6.2 runs per game during that span, which is higher than their season average of 4.4.
The Rays will take on a right-hander (Perez) in this game and have a 36-44 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed Ramirez will take the mound against the Braves, who have a 43-49 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB
Notes
The Rays managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Braves who are coming in with an 18-15 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 10-43. The Rays have a 10-35 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit 70 this season. Tampa Bay ranks 13th with 105 home runs.
Ranking 15th, Tampa Bay is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.12 per game. Atlanta ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 8.58.
Ranking 27th, Atlanta is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.678). Tampa Bay ranks in the bottom half at 20th with an OPS of .700.
The Braves are 20-41 when they allow at least one home run. The Rays perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 26-41 record.
