The Tampa Bay Rays have taken a 2-0 lead in their ALDS series against the New York Yankees, and Nick Martinez is the man looking to close the door. The games were very different: in the first, Drew Rasmussen was the wizard on the mound, and in the second, the Yankees’ fielders played sloppy defense. Combine terrible defense from New York with solid pitching from Tampa, and the Rays are up 2-0.
Four teams still stand in the American League, and two of them were expected to reach this point while the other two defied the odds. The Rays and the Yankees both entered today with a 2-0 record in their series.
Martinez’s Regular-Season Numbers
The pitcher Martinez logged a record of 15-6 over the season, posting a 3.10 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. All three of his stats — wins, ERA, and WHIP — rank top 14 or better in the majors. His road ERA actually gets better, dropping to 2.38. When he faced the Yankees this season across three games, he gave up just four earned runs over 16.2 innings.
The Yankees’ Home Record
The Yankees are in a difficult position, but they are heading back to New York for their next two contests, and a win tonight would put them back in the driver’s seat. At home this season, the Bombers are 12 games over .500, a record that only tells part of the story. The team has been nearly unbeatable in its own park during the postseason, sweeping both Wild Card games against the Red Sox.
The issue appears to be that they have depended heavily on home runs to score, and it has been exposed in this series.
Fried’s ALDS Start
This season, Max Fried made a single postseason appearance for the Yankees, and over six innings he gave up just three hits and one walk. The only run he allowed was a solo home run. There is some reason for worry as the Yankees’ lefty has a higher home ERA, and he has struggled against the Rays. In two starts this season, he has allowed seven earned runs over 14.2 innings, and it wasn’t just one poor start.
The Argument for the Rays
The Rays have a pitcher who can hold his own with Fried. Beyond a strong start against the Red Sox, Fried has not performed well in the postseason. The Yankees have been excellent at home, while the Rays have struggled on the road, though they are the ones carrying all the momentum.
I’m taking the Rays here at plus money.
The Betting Offer
A promo code for the ALDS games is currently being offered by FANATICS SPORTSBOOK. The code is FOXNEWS350, and it delivers $350 on the Rays-Yankees or the Guardians-White Sox provided you bet $20.
The Rays have the momentum, and the Yankees are in a desperate situation. Tonight’s game will determine if either team gets a second chance to play.
Source material: “Nick Martinez looks to shut the door on the New York Yankees as Rays take 2-0 series lead,” Fox News.
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