Wednesday's winner... 300-Unit A.L. Maxwell Smart Play of the Day - BALTIMORE ORIOLES
The Orioles came back from a 4-0 deficit after the top of the first inning on Tuesday and pounded the Rays 10-5, knocking out 16 hits. Even though they aren't lighting up the win column lately, I'm playing Baltimore at home in this one.
Why? Because the Rays have been a disaster, losing 14 of their last 17, including 10 of their last 11. This team basically packed it in after failing to gain ground on the Red Sox during that crucial series about two weeks ago.
No reason to believe they're going to come out of their funk tonight, having lost 10 of 11 as underdogs and going 17-35 in the third game of a series. Andy Sonnanstine is on the mound for the Rays and they are 0-4 in his last four roadies and 0-4 against A.L. East foes.
Chris Tillman (2-3, 4.91 ERA) is on the hill for the Orioles coming off two rough outings against the Rangers and Yankees. But prior to that he'd rattled off five straight starts of allowing three runs or less. He faced these Rays on Aug. 19 and gave up three runs in six innings but got no offensive support and lost 3-1.
Sonnanstine has been pummelled in his last 10 starts, and that includes missing more than two months of the season. He's had six starts in his last 10 where he's allowed four runs or more and eight of the 10 when he's given up three or more. The Rays have lost each of his last four roadies. He's already made two starts in Baltimore this season, allowing 12 runs in 6.2 innings and losing twice.
Feeling the Orioles tonight against the hapless Rays. Go with Baltimore.
Bobby Maxwell
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