Cincinnati Reds (49-53) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (52-51)
As the MLB season progresses into its late stages, the matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Tropicana Field promises an intriguing clash. Both teams hover around the .500 mark, with the Reds at 49-53 and the Rays slightly better at 52-51. This game, crucial for both teams’ playoff ambitions, presents a unique opportunity for bettors looking for MLB betting picks, as it might hint at potential postseason contenders.
The Cincinnati Reds’ season has been rather up and down, but they have proven to be a very persistent team on the road where they stand at an impressive 31-18 against the spread. For offense they have hit with a mean batting average of .231 and runs scored of 456, backed by a total of 114 home runs and a team slugging rate of .397. Still, their on-base percentage stands at .305, which indicates that the team has problems with gaining baserunners.
On the other hand, Tampa Bay Rays are similar with many of the Reds figures but there are slight differences that could determine the result of the game. They have managed .233 batting average and 400 runs slightly below the productivity of the Reds. However, their on-base percentage is a hair better at .309. The pitching staff has been less productive for the Rays with an ERA of 4.21 compared to Reds’ 3.86 this may be a big decisive factor in this case.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Tampa Bay Rays Game Info
When: | Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 11:35 PM ET |
Where: | Tropicana Field |
TV: | — |
Stream: | MLB.TV |
Hunter Greene (7-4, 3.14 ERA) vs. Tyler Alexander (3-3, 5.88 ERA)
Hunter Greene has been impressive for the Reds this season having made his debut with 3.14 ERA and 1.09 WHIP to boot in 117.1 innings pitched. Batters loathe facing him, and with good reason as he dishes out the Ks owning 133 of them. The weakness of Greene is that his base is taken mainly during pitching and it can be seen that his strengths include a high number of strikeouts and limited home runs which are very much an important factor of a game.
Tyler Alexander, on the other hand, has not had a good season for the Rays, being given a 5.88 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 59.2 innings pitched. Alexander has been vulnerable this season to the home runs, which he has given up 13 of them, something that will not bode well with the Reds’ power hitting team. His performance will be crucial and he will especially have to contain the Reds’ sluggers to make the game interesting all throughout.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this matchup are still to be determined, which will offer more insights into the perceptions of oddsmakers regarding these two closely matched teams. Once available, these odds will guide bettors on the perceived favorite and the game’s total runs expected.
Cincinnati Reds Betting Trends
The Reds have demonstrated strength in road games, particularly against the spread, suggesting they perform well under the pressures of away settings. However, their recent form shows inconsistency, with a 2-3 record in their last five games. The totals have gone OVER in 3 of their last 5 games, indicating a trend towards higher-scoring affairs, which might continue given both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends
The Rays’ recent form is slightly better than the Reds, with a 3-2 record in their last five outings. They’ve also matched this performance against the spread, indicating they often play close to expectations. Their games tend to be high-scoring, with totals going OVER in 4 of their last 5 games, aligning with the Reds’ trend and suggesting another potentially high-scoring clash.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Tampa Bay Rays 7/28/24 Betting Picks
Based on the available data and trends, this game seems poised for a high number of runs, and the performance of the starting pitchers will be critical. Given Hunter Greene’s solid season stats compared to Tyler Alexander’s struggles, the Reds might have the edge in pitching.
In terms of betting, focusing on the total runs might be prudent, especially if the line is set reasonably. Also, considering the Reds’ strong performance against the spread on the road, they might be a good pick if they enter as underdogs or close favorites. For the best odds and lines, checking several best betting websites closer to game day is advisable to secure the most favorable conditions.