MLB Picks: Philadelphia Phillies vs Tampa Bay Rays (May 8)
Fresh take: The Philly Phillies are eyeing a sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays in Florida today! The Phillies have been unstoppable, racking up 15 runs in two games while only conceding four. They're also coming off a 7-0 shutout win last night, with the Rays' bats going totally MIA.
As it stands, today's game will mark the last meeting between these two teams this season, unless they somehow battle it out in the World Series. But considering the Rays' struggles, that seems unlikely.
Over the past fortnight, the Rays have been downright woeful. They're scoring a league-low .190 and have inched up to just .193 in May. And things get even grimmer when facing certain pitchers, so let's not even go there.
Phillies vs Rays Showdown: Last Hurrah
Tonight, Yandy Diaz and the Rays host the Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa. Here's the scoop:
- Venue & Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL
- Date: Thursday, May 8th, 2025
- First Pitch: 7:05 pm Eastern
Pitching Lineup
- Phillies: Jesus Luzardo (3-0, 1.94 ERA, 1.18 WHIP)
- Rays: Ryan Pepiot (2-4, 4.23 ERA, 1.41 WHIP)
Sports Betting: Place Your Bets!
Before you place your bets, check out these eye-popping odds from industry leader, BetOnline:
- Run Line:
- Phillies -1.5 (+116)
- Rays +1.5 (-136)
- Money Line:
- Phillies -140
- Rays +127
- Total:
- Over 8.5 (-125)
- Under 8.5 (+105)
I'm all in on the Phillies tonight! The Rays have been an absolute disaster this season, and against Luzardo, it's only going to get worse. I can't trust their bats enough.
Phillies vs Rays Champion Picks
Back Schwarber and the Phillies tonight in Tampa. Here's why:
Phillies vs Rays Prediction: Phillies Win, Over 8.5
Best Bets: Phillies -1.5 (+116) at BetOnline
The Phils are on fire, with wins in two straight, four of their last five, and eight of their last ten. Luzardo has been fantastic this year, giving up just three earned runs in three road starts so far. Facing the hapless Rays' bats that hit just .182 against lefties, things will only get better.
Ryan Pepiot has allowed earned runs in every contest and has surrendered 12 earned runs in just 17 innings in his last three home games. The Phillies are 9-15 on the road, but this is a perfect matchup for them to keep the momentum rolling.
Hop on the Phillies bandwagon, folks! This team is taking no prisoners, and they'll win tonight by at least two runs.
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- The Phillies will be looking to maintain their unstoppable form against the struggling Rays tonight at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa.
- In tonight's game, Jesus Luzardo of the Phillies will be facing Ryan Pepiot of the Rays, with Luzardo boasting a 3-0 record, 1.94 ERA, and 1.18 WHIP, while Pepiot has a 2-4 record, 4.23 ERA, and 1.41 WHIP.
- The Rays have been struggling recently, scoring a league-low .190 over the past fortnight and inching up to just .193 in May. Facing Luzardo may further emphasize their offensive woes.
- With the Phillies' winning streak and Luzardo's stellar performance, especially against lefties, many bettors are placing their faith in the Phillies to win by at least two runs today.
