MLB News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Newsletter

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Keep riding that Rays train

By Jared Shlensky | Last updated 4/14/23

What's this? Another Tampa Bay Rays Same-Game Parlay? Yes, that's exactly what it is, just in time to begin your weekend. And can you blame us? The Rays are perfect at 13-0 and a win away from setting the MLB modern-era record for most consecutive wins to begin a season. Plus, don't forget our Rays SGP hit last Friday, and we've got a feeling this one hits as well.

We know we've gone a little overboard with the Rays lately, but until they lose, you shouldn't stop riding them. Last week we told you how bettors have been making good money on Tampa Bay during their winning streak, and that hasn't changed. You're aware they're perfect on the moneyline, but did you know they've never trailed after the first inning, have trailed after the fifth inning just once and have scored four or more runs in every game but one this year? Or that they're 12-1 on the runline and 9-3-1 against the over?

And with the struggling Jose Berrios starting for Toronto on Friday, we don't see Tampa having any issue beating the Blue Jays or scoring at least four runs. Berrios is 1-4 with a 5.86 ERA in eight career starts against the Rays and got absolutely shelled — 2 IP, 6 R, 7 H — the last time he faced them. We're not saying Berrios lasts only two innings this time around, but don't be surprised if Tampa Bay has four runs up on the scoreboard by the end of the fourth inning.

Go to Outlier.bet to wager on Rays vs. Blue Jays

The Rays have always been known for their pitching, but offensively, they've been known as a "small ball" club that relies on putting the ball in play, taking the extra base when it's there and not striking out a lot to make up for the team's lack of power. But make no mistake about it, the Rays can hit for power. Tampa Bay leads the majors in home runs, RBIs, runs scored, slugging percentage and OPS.

You might be nervous that Toronto puts up some runs after scoring just one run in Thursday's 3-1 loss to Detroit, but we're really not. Rays starter Drew Rasmussen hasn't allowed a run or a walk all year, and in 13 innings pitched has yielded just three hits. We're pretty confident Tampa Bay wins for the 14th straight time on Friday.

The riskiest leg of our SGP is the one you'll know hit or not first, and that's Tampa Bay to be at least tied with Toronto after the first inning. Why would you bet against their perfect first-inning record? You wouldn't. So, until they actually trail after the first inning, keep betting them to be at least tied going into the second.

The SGP: Tampa Bay (moneyline), Tampa Bay (over 3.5 runs) and Tampa Bay (+0.5 runs in the first inning) (+125 odds via DraftKings)

Bet $100 to win $215

Outlier Trends of the Day

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has failed to exceed 32.5 points in 13 straight playoff games (15.1 points/game average).

Betting: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander under 32.5 points (-101 FD)

2. Bryan Reynolds has exceeded 1.5 total bases in four straight games on the road (5.5 total bases/game average).

Betting: Bryan Reynolds over 1.5 total bases (-117 CZR)

3. Nathan MacKinnon has exceeded 4.5 shots on goal in 6 straight games against Nashville (7.7 shots on goal/game average).

Betting: Nathan MacKinnon over 4.5 shots on goal (-145 BetMGM)

In the news ...

Rays match MLB modern era season-opening winning streak record in comeback win over Boston — The Tampa Bay Rays' perfect season is still alive thanks to a seven-run fifth inning on Thursday afternoon against the Boston Red Sox. Thursday's 9-3 victory was Tampa's 13th straight, tying the 1982 Braves and the 1987 Brewers for the longest season-opening winning streak during the modern era. The Rays look to set the record on Friday against Toronto. Following the Rays' 13-0 start, Tampa Bay is +450 to finish with the best record in baseball, +130 to win the AL East, +500 to win the AL pennant and +1000 to win the World Series.

Warriors' Wiggins cleared for postseason — Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins has officially been cleared for Game 1 on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings after missing the last 10 weeks due to a personal matter. Wiggins is expected to come off the bench and play somewhere between 20-25 minutes in Saturday's first-round playoff matchup. Despite an 11-30 road record during the regular season, the reigning champs still managed to finish as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference with an overall record of 44-38. The Warriors are -275 to win their first-round series against the Kings, +350 to win the Western Conference and +950 to repeat as NBA champions.

UConn's Sanogo enters NBA Draft — UConn superstar Adama Sanogo announced on Thursday that he plans to enter the NBA Draft. Sanogo was the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player during the Huskies' national championship run after nearly averaging a double-double during the NCAA Tournament. Sanogo, who is ranked No. 87 in ESPN's NBA Draft Standings, is however maintaining his college eligibility.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Jared Shlensky

More must-reads: