On the evening of September 12, 2024, Progressive Field will be the stage for an intriguing Major League Baseball clash between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians, starting at 7:15 PM under a clear sky. The pitching matchup features Ryan Pepiot for the Rays, who enters the contest with a commendable ERA of 3.664, and Gavin Williams for the Guardians, who has struggled this season with an ERA of 5.250.
The Rays, currently 10th in the 2024 AL East Division, possess a record of 71 wins and 75 losses, indicating a 0.49 win percentage. With a recent record of 4 wins in the last 10 games and amidst a three-game losing streak, Tampa Bay hopes to rebound on the road, where they’ve been nearly balanced with 34 wins and 37 losses. While they have struggled in day games, evening matches seem more favorable, given their 42 night-time victories.
Conversely, the Cleveland Guardians top the AL Central Division with an 84-62 record, showing a stronger season with a 0.58 winning percentage. They have maintained solid performance at home, posting a 43-25 record, and are on a current upswing with a three-game win streak, complemented by 7 victories in their last 10 matches. Their robust scoring tally stands at 657 runs, significantly outpacing the 578 runs they have allowed.
Looking at the betting odds, the Guardians are favored with a -1.5 point spread and a MoneyLine of -144, reflecting their recent form and stronger season record. The Rays are underdogs at a +122 MoneyLine. The over/under for the game is set at 7.5 runs, suggesting a tight contest expected by the oddsmakers. Bettors eyeing this matchup will consider these numbers closely, as they indicate potentially tight competition with the Guardians slightly more favored at their home ground.