Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago Cubs 5/31/23 – The upcoming matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago Cubs has garnered significant attention in baseball betting. The men taking the mound will be Zach Eflin and Justin Steele. At the iconic Wrigley Field, this game is set to deliver an exciting showdown for fans and bettors alike. We will analyze both teams, examine their offenses and starting pitchers, discuss the latest trends, and make informed predictions and picks based on the latest baseball betting odds.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago Cubs
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 2:20 PM ET
Location: Wrigley Field
TV: Bally Sports Network
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago Cubs 5/31/23 Betting Odds
Rays
Moneyline: -135
Spread: -1.5 (+114)
Total: 8.5 over (-132)
Cubs
Moneyline: +110
Spread: +1.5 (-161)
Total: 8.5 under (-108)
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago Cubs Analysis
The Tampa Bay Rays enter this matchup as favorites, boasting impressive offensive performance and solid starting pitching. Their lineup boasts an impressive batting average of 0.270, consistently showing their ability to make contact and find holes in defense. Their 335 runs scored have demonstrated their proficiency at crossing home plate, often due to powerful hitting capabilities; 101 home runs indicate potential scoring opportunities.
As well as their high average and home run tally, the Rays have also demonstrated excellence in on-base percentage, boasting an outstanding mark of 0.344. This statistic displays their impressive discipline at bat as they draw walks quickly, which puts additional strain on opposing pitchers. Furthermore, their slugging percentage of 0.493 shows they possess extra-base hits that produce runs.
On the mound, the Rays rely on Zach Eflin for reliable starts. His 7-1 record and impressive 3.17 ERA showcase his ability to limit opponents from scoring runs; further evidenced by low walks plus hits per inning pitched (1.02), Eflin’s command on the mound reduces opportunities for opposing batters to score runs against him.
Though facing an uphill battle against the Rays, Chicago Cubs possess an offense not to be underestimated. Their resilience has been evidenced through a respectable batting average of 0.255, showing an ability to make contact and consistently put the ball into play. Although their home run count of 65 is less than that of the Rays’ team, Chicago has proved its ability to generate offense through situational hitting and manufacturing runs.
The Cubs have displayed impressive discipline at the plate with an on-base percentage of 0.333, showing their ability to draw walks and keep their bases full. Although their slugging rate of 0.415 may not compare favorably with the Rays’, it still indicates their capacity for extra-base hits that drive in runs when scoring opportunities arise.
Justin Steele has earned an impressive record with the Cubs, compiling an outstanding record of 6-2. Steele’s consistent performances have been crucial to their success, as his 2.77 ERA proves. Additionally, his ability to keep opposing batters off-balance, along with 1.11 walks plus hits per inning pitched, prove his effectiveness at limiting scoring opportunities.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago Cubs Against the Spread
The Tampa Bay Rays tend to excel against left-handed starting pitchers, as the over has come up in all five games against these pitchers in recent memory. Furthermore, in all road games with totals set at 11.0 or higher involving them where there has been an under total set at 6.5 or lower, then under has prevailed, suggesting their offensive firepower may be most potent against left-handed pitchers or higher scoring games while they may slowdown when facing lower scoring contests.
On the other hand, Chicago Cubs have had difficulty keeping momentum through a series, losing all five third-game encounters in a row and therefore struggling in the final game. Furthermore, six out of their last eight home games with total scores at 11.0 or higher featured an over score which indicated high-scoring games might occur more frequently when the Cubs play at home in specific scoring scenarios, though it should be noted that four home games with entire sets between 9.0-10.5 have seen them perform successfully; suggesting they can achieve in games with moderate scoring expectations as well as when expected from them.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago Cubs Free Pick
After carefully analysing the teams, their statistics, and the betting trends, it is time to make predictions and provide picks based on the available odds for the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago Cubs. Given the offensive capabilities of both teams and the starting pitching matchup, we anticipate a closely contested game. Here are the recommended picks:
Moneyline: Rays -135
Considering the betting odds, we recommend placing a moneyline bet on the Tampa Bay Rays. Their superior offensive firepower, combined with the reliable performance of Zach Eflin on the mound, provides a strong foundation for a potential victory.
Spread: Rays -1.5 (+114)
Betting on the Tampa Bay Rays with a spread of -1.5 (+114) is viable. The Rays’ ability to win games by multiple runs, coupled with the favorable odds, makes this an appealing choice.
Total: 8.5 over (-132)
Considering the betting trends and the predicted score, we suggest betting on the over. Both teams have demonstrated the potential for offensive production, and the historical data support the likelihood of the total runs exceeding 8.5.
Prediction: 4-5 Tampa Bay Rays win
The upcoming matchup between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago Cubs presents an intriguing contest for baseball fans and bettors. We have provided insights into baseball betting guide decisions by analyzing the teams’ offenses, starting pitchers, and trends. However, it is essential to remember that unexpected twists and turns are always possible in sports. As the game unfolds, fans can look forward to witnessing a captivating battle between two talented teams on the field.
