Red Sox-Rays Odds Preview

The division rival Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays are set to renew hostilities on Sunday when they meet at Tropicana Field. The Red Sox will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Brad Penny in this game. Penny has a 2-0 record and a 8.66 ERA this season. Penny's opponent in this one will be James Shields. The Rays righthander has a 3.74 ERA to go along with a 2-2 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Rays listed as 150-moneyline favorites versus the Red Sox, while the game's total has not yet been posted. The Red Sox snapped a two-game losing skid to the Rays with a 10-6 win on Saturday, as -120 favorites. That game's 16 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (9). Kevin Youkilis and Nick Green drove in three runs apiece to lead the way for the Red Sox. Tim Wakefield gave up five runs over five innings in getting the victory. Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena drove in two runs each for the Rays, who were +100 underdogs. Jeff Niemann surrendered six runs over three innings in the loss. Team records: Boston: 15-9 SU Tampa Bay: 10-15 SU Boston most recently: When playing on Sunday are 9-1 Before playing NY Yankees are 7-3 After playing Tampa Bay are 3-7 After a win are 8-2 Tampa Bay most recently: When playing on Sunday are 5-5 Before playing Baltimore are 7-3 After playing Boston are 5-5 After a loss are 5-5 A few trends to consider: Boston is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games Boston is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston Tampa Bay is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Boston Tampa Bay is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home Tampa Bay is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games Next up: Boston at NY Yankees, Monday, May 4 Tampa Bay home to Baltimore, Monday, May 4