Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Tuesday October 2, 2012 :  Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays

As the hunt for October begins, it’s do or die for many teams in the MLB. As some games are more important than others, here are a couple of game previews to help you place your bets this week.

Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Sports line: no line

Tonight will be Tampa Bay’s chance to get a playoff sport against the Orioles. Currently Tampa Bay is sitting out of the playoff picture thanks to Oakland’s win in Texas last night. However, the Rays still have a chance to catch the Yankees for a playoff spot. That being said the Rays are going to have to fight a strong Oriole’s team who are fighting to take the AL East.

Baltimore will be starting Miguel Gonzalez who is 8-4 this season with a 3.61 ERA. Although Baltimore lost their last game against the Rays 5-3, and Gonzalez’s last start (against Toronto) was less than stellar, the Oriole’s should still be able to take the Rays according to many online betting sites.

Tampa Bay will be starting James Shields, who will be playing his last game of the season. The righthander is 15-9 with a 3.62 ERA. Although the Rays have not lost to the Orioles since 2007, their record this year has been 9-7. The Rays need to win the next two games in order to make a split record. Shields is 1-1 against the Oriole’s this year.  Many have listed the Oriole’s to take the AL East tonight, but it is important not to count the Rays out.