Rays vs Orioles, Prediction & Top Picks: Battle for the AL East Begins

The MLB Regular Season is coming to a close and the payoff race is heating up! We've got an AL East Showdown today as the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Baltimore Orioles.

The Rays currently sit just 2 games behind Baltimore for 1st place in division. The first Wild Card spot is all but wrapped up to whomever finishes 2nd, as the Rays are 8.5 games ahead and sitting comfortably.

But the Rays are 7-3 in their L10 and the Orioles have dropped two straight, so Tampa has their sights set on taking the crown in the AL East.

This is game 1 of a huge four game series between these squads, and we've got the top picks and MLB prop bets for tonight's contest.

Let's break this one down.

Go Here for our MLB Expert's Picks!

Happy flight! See ya in Baltimore 🛫#RaysUp

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 13, 2023

Rays vs Orioles Game Information

Baltimore leads the season series 6 games to 3, with this being the season series finale. The Rays could end up winning if they sweep, which would also help them grab the Top spot of the AL East.

Regardless, we're in for a great series starting tonight in Balitmore.

Matchup Information

• Venue & Location: Camden Yards (Baltimore, MD)
• Date: Thursday, September 14th, 2023
• First Pitch: 7:15pm Eastern
• Broadcast: FOX

Pitching Matchup

• Tampa Bay Rays: Aaron Civale (7-3, 2.96 ERA)
• Baltimore Orioles: Kyle Bradish (11-6, 3.03 ERA)

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Bovada.

Runline

• Rays +1.5 (-180)
• Orioles -1.5 (+155)

Moneyline

• Rays +114
• Orioles -136

Total

• Over 8 (-115)
• Under 8 (-105)

Pitching Masterclass in Camden?

Both of these guys take the bump with a combined 5.99 ERA.

Bradish ranks 5th in the MLB among qualified pitchers in ERA with 3.03. Civale does not technically qualify, but still has a 2.96 ERA in 112.2 innings.

These guys are very good at not allowing runs and base runners in general. Civale posts a 1.12 WHIP, while Bradish posts 1.09.

Bradish's splits improve at home, with his ERA dropping to 2.26 and his WHIP to 1.01. Opponent's only bat .208 against him at Camden Yards, and tonight, I think we could see these teams struggle to score.

The total is slightly too low for my liking, so I'll leave it alone, however I do have some props for this one.

MLB Prop Bets Today

Ryan Mountcastle over 1.5 Bases (+130) BetUS

Mountcastle is in a bit of a slump, he hasn't had a hit in 5 games, and he's only cleared 2+ bases in 2 of his L10 games.

Against Tampa Bay, Mountcaslte has a hit in 4 of 6 games, but has only cleared this line in 2 of those 6. However, he loves to hit against Civale.

Mountcastle is 5/6 against Civale, batting .833. He has 2 singles, a double, 2 home runs, and 5 RBIs against this guy since 2017.

This is the perfect matchup for him to break out of his slump at home when his team needs him the most.

For +130, I'll definitely bet on Mountcastle to find a gap or knock a couple base hits.

Interested in More Content?

Follow me on X @Shaggy_Bets for all of my picks and sports opinions!

Be sure to check out all things Betting News on X and Twitch!

Tune in to one of our several weekly streams! You won't regret it!

And go get some MERCH at our Betting News Store!

HAPPY SATURDAY 🔥

CELEBRATE THE SATURDAY VIBE WITH SOME SWAG 🤝🏽

Come for the Winners, Leave with the Merch 🍻👚@SweatpantJesus @Shaggy_Bets @WMMacMiller @vsaaauce @SukhBrar4 @gretzkybetzkys @BN_EddieG @devplat@notamush

Peep the Shop ⬇️⬇️
🎁https://t.co/tPxYRZ1h8s🎁 pic.twitter.com/zGcT0mQLga

— Betting News (@YourBettingNews) August 19, 2023

In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below and sign-up for a bonus!

Still Here?

Check out everything we have to offer at Betting News!

We really are All About the Game!