Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays Picks and Predictions May 16th 2024

Red Sox vs. Rays: Game On for Series Showdown at Fenway

As the Boston Red Sox prep to host the Tampa Bay Rays for the climactic finale of their four-game set this Thursday at Fenway, the stakes are sky-high. The Rays, after eking out a 4-3 win on Wednesday, are riding a hot streak with an 8-4 record over their last dozen games.

Rays Hit Their Stride with Key Plays and Solid Pitching

In Wednesday’s nail-biter, Yandy Diaz was the man of the hour, delivering a clutch two-run single in the sixth inning that clinched the win. Diaz has been tearing it up lately, hitting .353 over his last 12 games. The Rays’ bullpen has been equally impressive, locking down the Red Sox and keeping them scoreless after taking the lead. Rays skipper Kevin Cash was all praises, noting, “That ball was smoked. Diaz is on fire, and we knew he’d heat up.”

Red Sox Eyeing a Turnaround

Despite out-hitting the Rays 8-7 in their last matchup, the Red Sox just couldn’t convert those hits into runs, stumbling over errors and strikeouts. Reflecting on the team’s recent struggles, Boston manager Alex Cora said, “We had a solid start… and the homers helped, but we need to step it up overall.”

The Sox have been scraping by with three runs or fewer in most of their recent games—a trend they’re desperate to break as Cooper Criswell steps up to the mound. Criswell, making his first start against his old squad, has been a beacon of hope with a stellar 2.10 ERA and a perfect record in starts this season.

Pitchers’ Duel: Criswell vs. Littell

On the mound for the Rays, Zack Littell is set to counter Criswell. Fresh off a win against the Yankees where he gave up just two runs over nearly six innings, Littell, with a 3.02 ERA, is looking to keep that momentum going. The Rays are leaning on him to shake off a shaky start to the season and deliver another solid performance.

High Stakes Finale

With the series on the line, both teams are gearing up to make strategic plays that could shape their seasons. The Rays are aiming to keep up their winning ways and solidify their place in the American League West, while the Red Sox are looking to shake off their offensive slump and make the most of Criswell’s hot streak.

Thursday’s game is shaping up to be a strategic showdown filled with expert pitching and critical hitting. It’s more than just a game; it’s a pivotal moment for both teams as they look to set the tone for the rest of their seasons.