Atlanta Braves vs Tampa Bay Rays Picks and Predictions June 14th 2024

Braves, Rays Struggle in Offensive Slump: Series Opener BreakdownAs

the Atlanta Braves gear up to host the Tampa Bay Rays for a three-game series starting Friday, both teams are eager to overcome their recent offensive struggles. The Braves, who just ended a five-game losing streak, and the Rays, coming off a narrow win, are both looking for a spark at the plate.

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Atlanta Braves: Battling Offensive Slump

The Braves have had a tough road trip, finishing with a 3-6 record. Despite a victory against the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta’s offense has been inconsistent. Their performance with runners in scoring position has been particularly poor, batting only .203 since May 1, compared to a major league-best .310 in April. Designated hitter Marcell Ozuna stands out as a key performer, with a .322 average, 18 home runs, and 57 RBIs.

Pitching Matchup: Chris Sale vs. Zack Littell

Chris Sale (Atlanta Braves):

Record: 8-2
ERA: 3.01
Recent Performance: Bounced back from a rough start to deliver a strong outing against Washington, with seven innings pitched, two runs allowed, and ten strikeouts.
Career Against Tampa Bay: 10-7 record, 3.06 ERA in 24 appearances.

Zack Littell (Tampa Bay Rays):

Record: 2-4
ERA: 3.63
Recent Performance: Seeking first win since May 11, allowed three runs over six innings in his last start.
Career Against Atlanta: 6.43 ERA in nine appearances, including a 6.75 ERA in two games in 2023.

Tampa Bay Rays: Offensive Struggles

The Rays have faced similar challenges, averaging just 2.57 runs per game and hitting .217 with runners in scoring position during their recent homestand. Yandy Diaz has been a consistent performer, with a .286 average during his 16-game on-base streak.

Atlanta’s Hopeful Turnaround

Chris Sale’s positive outlook is crucial for the Braves. Despite their struggles, the team remains focused and optimistic. Sale’s recent strong performance highlights the potential for a turnaround. Manager Brian Snitker praised Sale, noting his excellent stat line despite the lack of run support.

Key Player Insights

Marcell Ozuna (Atlanta Braves):

Performance: .322 average, 18 home runs, 57 RBIs.
Impact: Continues to drive the Braves' offense amid overall struggles.

Yandy Diaz (Tampa Bay Rays):

Performance: .286 average during his 16-game on-base streak.
Impact: Key player for the Rays, providing consistency in their lineup.

Conclusion

The series opener between the Braves and Rays is crucial for both teams as they seek to reignite their offenses. With Chris Sale and Zack Littell on the mound, the performances of key players like Marcell Ozuna and Yandy Diaz will be vital in determining the outcome. Both teams are at a pivotal point in their seasons, aiming to find the consistency needed to turn their fortunes around.