Via The New York Times

It is the start of a four game series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees later on. These two teams just played each other a few days ago with the Rays taking two of the three games played at home. Now the scene shifts over to New York and the stakes get even more fun. The Rays dropped two of three games to the Baltimore Orioles in their previous series so they will be looking to get back on track in this one. As for the Yankees, they are coming off a three game sweep of the Oakland Athletics and will be looking to keep the momentum going strong. We should be in for a good matchup today that sets up the intensity of this early season series.

Date: Thursday, May 11th, 2023

Time: 7:05 p.m. EST

Location: Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York

Team Records: Tampa Bay Rays (29-9), New York Yankees (21-17)

Projected Starting Pitchers:

Drew Rasmussen (3-2, 3.11 ERA) vs Domingo German (2-2, 4.35 ERA)

What to Watch:

Both the Yankees and Rays know each other very well. So we should be in for another good matchup between the two sides. Tampa Bay has gotten off to a really strong start to the season and if they can take a few of these games, can bury the Yankees even farther down in the standings. They will have a chip on their shoulder after dropping two of their last three so the key for them will be to get out to an early lead on the Yankees starter Domino German. If they can do that, it could set the tone for how the game will go.

As for the Yankees, getting some wins in this series could help them climb out of the hole that they are in. They need to pick up wins and today is as good as any to start. New York has power hitters across their lineup so if they can be patient at the plate and let the pitches come to them, they could find success.

Game Prediction: New York Yankees 2, Tampa Bay Rays 0

This series will likely be a dogfight. In this game, the Yankees take it behind good pitching and well timed hits.

Odds Presented By Betfred Sportsbook 

Spread – Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (+145) / New York Yankees +1.5 (-170)

Moneyline – Tampa Bay Rays -115 / New York Yankees -105

Total – 8.5 – Over (+100) / Under (-120)

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