Rays-Mets Lines Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Saturday when they take on the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Rays will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander James Shields in this game. Shields has a 5-5 record and a 3.52 ERA this season. The Mets will counter Shields with ace Johan Santana. Lefthander Santana has a 3.29 ERA to go along with a 8-4 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Mets listed as 130-moneyline favorites versus the Rays, while the game's total has not yet been posted. The Mets handed Tampa Bay a third straight loss by defeating the Rays 5-3 on Friday, as +105 underdogs. That game's eight runs went UNDER the posted over/under (9.5). Brian Schneider smacked a three-run homer to lead the way for the Mets. Fernando Nieve tossed a three-hitter through six innings for the win, and Francisco Rodriguez picked up his 18th save of the season. B.J. Upton drove in two runs to lead the Rays, who were -115 favorites. Andy Sonnanstine gave up seven hits and four runs over six innings in the loss. Current streak: Tampa Bay has lost 3 straight games. Team records: Tampa Bay: 35-34 SU New York: 34-31 SU Tampa Bay most recently: When playing on Saturday are 3-7 Before playing NY Mets are 3-7 After playing NY Mets are 5-4 After a loss are 3-7 New York most recently: When playing on Saturday are 4-6 Before playing Tampa Bay are 5-5 After playing Tampa Bay are 5-4 After a win are 4-6 A few trends to consider: Tampa Bay is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road NY Mets are 13-5 SU in its last 18 games at home NY Mets are 3-6 SU in its last 9 games Next up: NY Mets home to Tampa Bay, Sunday, June 21