LA Angels
The Angels are finishing their relatively poor campaign, now 67-82 and 4th in the AL West. They’ve struggled in this series so far, losing the opening two to Tampa by a combined score of 15-5. This means their home record is just 35-39 this season, with only 2 wins in their last 10. Patrick Sandoval will pitch here, going 0-3 with a 5.28 ERA so far.
Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa continue to look impressive, losing just 61 of their 150 games to sit 2nd in the AL East. They’re now 46-29 on the road this campaign, with 7 wins in their last 9 contests. Tommy Pham has been a decent second option this year, second behind Austin Meadows with 20 home runs and 64 RBI. Ryan Yarborough will pitch here, sporting an 11-3 record with a 3.51 ERA this season.
Prediction: Rays $1.60
Much like my rationale for game 1 in this series, Tampa is comfortably the better side and they’ve got much more on the line. Yarborough has been an outstanding pitcher this season and LA just don’t have the hitters outside of Trout. Sandoval hasn’t filled me with confidence so far, and I think Tampa exploit him en route to another routine win.
Seattle Mariners
It has been a poor season for Seattle, who now sit 5th in the AL West with a 60-88 record. They are just 31-42 at home this year, managing wins in only 2 of their last 9 overall. Dan Vogelbach is a rare bright spot offensively, leading the way with 30 home runs and 76 RBI. Justus Sheffield is slated to pitch here, going 0-1 with a 4.43 ERA so far.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox have also been poor, sitting 3rd in the AL Central at 65-82. They are just 30-43 on the road this season, winning 5 of their last 10 overall. 1st Baseman Jose Abreu continues to produce offensively, going for 33 home runs and 116 RBI. Ivan Nova is slated to pitch here, going just 10-12 with a 4.69 ERA through 172 innings.
Prediction: Mariners $1.77
Although this is a rather evenly matched game, I give the Mariners the slight edge at home. I like what their offense has shown of late and think that Sheffield is one to watch going forward. Nova has been especially inconsistent on the road and likely doesn’t have the juice to claim a road win here.