There is a ton at stake during this four-game series, which began last night.
The Tampa Bay Rays (91-57) got things started with a crucial win. Their deficit for the AL East and the American League’s best record is down to 1.0 game. An underrated aspect of the victory is that the Rays can still finish with a win in the season series, a crucial tiebreaker.
This is why the most important thing that the Baltimore Orioles (91-55) can do this weekend is win at least one game. Even if they lose the series, they’ll have the head-to-head tiebreaker and an edge in the loss column. Tonight is a chance to snap their three-game losing streak, too.
A monstrous series, easily the most significant this weekend, continues tonight. Check out Rays vs. Orioles below.
Match Details
Fixture: Tampa Bay Rays @ Baltimore Orioles
Date and Time: Friday, September 15, 2023, 7:05 p.m. EST
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland
Rays vs. Orioles Betting Odds
| Team | Run Line | Total | Money Line |
| Rays | -1.5 (+120) | Over 8.5 (-102) | -135 |
| Orioles | +1.5 (-142) | Under 8.5 (-118) | +114 |
Starting Pitchers
Zach Eflin will face Baltimore for the third time when he starts tonight. He’s held them to four runs across 13.0 innings this season. The Rays have won six of Eflin’s last eight starts. He has a 2.93 ERA against AL East teams.
Games like this are why the Orioles traded for Jack Flaherty. He has a 7.16 ERA through his first six starts with the club. However, he’s 3-0 with a 2.21 ERA in four starts against AL East teams in 2023.
Rays vs. Orioles Prediction
Outside of his team debut, Jack Flaherty has been a case of buyer’s remorse for Baltimore. In the five starts since that game, he’s given up 22 runs (21 earned) over 21.2 innings of work. Flaherty allowed at least three runs in each of those outings and didn’t toss six complete innings in any of them. This Tampa Bay Rays offense should feast on Flaherty tonight, setting the stage for another Rays win. A tied division should be in store by the end of the night.
