Tampa Bay Rays at Atlanta Braves Betting Preview
Two first place teams clash as the Tampa Bay Rays visit the Atlanta Braves in the third game of a three-game series after splitting the first two games. The game starts at 7 PM ET.
The Tampa Bay Rays (41-24, 23-9 road) are currently tied with the New York Yankees for top spot in the AL East and the majors. They have a good mix of power and speed that is tough for pitchers to handle. Evan Longoria leads their power hitters with 12 homers and 52 RBIs while batting .316. The 43 stolen bases between B.J. Upton and Carl Crawford shows their speed on base. The Rays offense was on display in the first game of the series where they managed 10 runs in a 10-4 victory.
The Atlanta Braves occupy top spot in the NL East with the New York Mets just half a game back after a six-game winning streak. The Braves offense came alive in their last game getting six runs in a 6-2 victory.
On the mound for the Rays is James Shields (5-5, 4.55 ERA). Shields has lost four-straight after a strong start and is vulnerable.
Tim Hudson (6-2, 2.43 ERA) gets the start for the Braves. Hudson is playing well right now and should give the Braves a quality outing.
