Those following the MLB standings have seen Tampa Bay go on a roll, winning eight of their last 10 heading into their series opener with Cincinnati on Monday. The two will resume the series on Tuesday at Tropicana Field. Reds vs. Rays Betting –Tuesday, 7:10 PM ET
Johnny Cueto (5-2, 1.63) allowed a run for the first time in three starts in a 10-2 romp over the Yankees at home, but that was about it as he scattered a run on two hits over seven innings, with six strikeouts and three walks. Some baseball betting players didn’t know what to think after Cueto started the season on the disabled list, but he has been fantastic as of late and there is no reason to believe he’ll slow down, even on the road. The 25-year-old righty is making his first start against the Rays, and he is 3-1 in five starts away from home with a 1.32 ERA, which is an absolutely ridiculous number.
The Rays will counter with David Price (8-6, 3.51), who reached double figures in strikeouts for the third time this season, whiffing 10 batters in a 6-3 win in Milwaukee. Price allowed a pair of runs on five hits over eight innings, and he registered a walk as well, which is encouraging as he had walked five in his previous start against Boston. Price tossed a season-high 120 pitches against the Brewers, and he just needs to get a little consistency in his game to find the form that made him a Cy Young candidate last season. The 25-year-old lefty has never faced the Reds before, and he’s 3-4 in eight home starts in 2011, posting a 3.40 ERA.
Look for the Rays to be favored at home, where they were swept in three straight by the Reds in 2003, with two games falling under the posted total. However, we all know that the “Devil Rays” of 2003 aren’t even close to the “Rays” of 2011. Even though Cueto may be remembered for his WWE Monday Night Raw-style flying kick in a brawl last year against the Cardinals, he is quickly gaining credit for his performances this season, and he’s been remarkably steady for a player who missed the first part of the season. Price has been up and down this season, and it seems like a five-run outing is just around the corner, which is why the nod has to go to Cincinnati. Cueto has been almost perfect as of late, and if he can keep his walks down on Tuesday, the Reds should be able to cool off the Rays. Wager on the Cincinnati Reds in your best online sportsbook.
