Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Red Sox should be in the Playoffs this year.  Boston has played very well in the last 10 games - going 8-2 and keeping a 2-game lead over Baltimore Orioles for the Wild Card spot. Its leading pitcher David Price will return to Tropicana Field on Monday for the start of a four-game series against Tampa Bay Rays. Price (11-8, 4.19 ERA) will pitch against Rays lefty Blake Snell (4-5, 3.06). Boston's ace was credited with a complete game after limiting the Orioles to one run in six innings in Red Sox's rain-shortened win Wednesday - Price had a nice 8-1 cushion when the game was called. He is not that solid this year on the road, just 4-5 with 4.13 ERA, but picked up 2 solid victories in his last 2 games. Blake Snell struck out eight while allowing one run over five innings in Tuesday's win over the Padres. However, he is just 3-3 at home with 3.53 ERA, and the Red Sox is better team than the Padres this year. Thus, I am picking the Red Sox to win this game - a direct bet on the Money Line (ML) for Boston to record its 70th win of the regular season [No Runs].

UPDATE August 23, 2016 - FINAL Result:  Boston Red Sox  6:2  Tampa Bay Rays.  David Price, Boston's ace, threw 8-eight shutout innings on Monday night as the Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2. Price allowed just two hits and looked every bit like the "big money horse" that Red Sox needed. Boston's win was secured in the top of the 9th inning - first, Xander Bogaerts homered (389 ft.) to deep left center and Dustin Pedroia scored to make the score 5-0 Red Sox; then, Sandy León grounded out, and Mookie Betts scored the 6th and final run. With that, Boston recorded its 70th win of the season and tied the idle Toronto Blue Jays atop the AL East.