Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Game 6 Betting Prediction

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one win away from their first World Series championship since 1988. The Tampa Bay Rays are fighting for their playoff lives in an elimination game. The two teams square off in Game 6 Tuesday night from Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX with first pitch scheduled for 8:08 pm ET.
After a dramatic Game 4 that saw the Rays pull of a comeback win, the Dodgers responded in Game 5 with a 4-2 win. Clayton Kershaw picked up his second win of the World Series, going 5.2 innings, allowing 2 earned runs and striking out 6. The Rays had their chances early on Sunday, but could never get the big hit, which has put them into a do-or-die situation.
Game 6 features Blake Snell (2-2, 3.33 ERA in the postseason) going for the Rays against L.A.’s Tony Gonsolin (0-2, 9.39 ERA).
The Dodgers come into Tuesday’s tilt as the favorites, with a Moneyline of -138 while the Rays are +120. The over/under for total runs has been set at 8.
By The Numbers
The Dodgers were the best team in baseball this season in terms of runs scored. They averaged 5.81 runs per game this season compared to the Rays, who ranked 14th, averaging 4.65 runs per.
Both teams have been solid defensively all season and into the playoffs. The Dodgers ranked 2nd overall, allowing just 3.61 runs per game. The Rays came in just a couple spots behind them at 4th, allowing 3.89 runs per game.
Tampa Bay Looks To Stay Resilient, Force Game 7
The Tampa Bay Rays have felt this pressure before. After taking a 3-0 lead to the Astros, Houston battled back to force a Game 7. Tampa Bay was able to buckle down and get the win during the ALCS. .
Now, facing elimination again, the Rays are in another must win situation. Tampa Bay turns to the lefty Snell to try to get the victory. In his start in Game 2’s 6-4 win, Snell went 4.2 innings, allowing 2 earned runs while striking out 9.
With the day off on Monday, it won’t be surprising to see manager Kevin Cash go to his bullpen early if Snell gets into trouble.
Offensively, the Rays try to get their bats going. This postseason, outfielder Randy Arozarena has been by far their most productive hitter, with 370/.439/.808 splits to go with 9 home runs, 13 RBI and 18 runs scored. Brandon Lowe has struggled, but he did hit a home run off Gonsolin in Game 2.
Dodgers Look To Be Crowned Champs
After years of frustration, Los Angeles is now just one game away to a world championship. To take Game 6, manager Dave Roberts turns to Tony Gonsolin, who has been roughed up this postseason going 0-2 with a 9.39 ERA, 1.70 WHIP while striking out 9 in 7.2 innings.
While the pitching may be suspect for L.A., the offense certainly isn’t. Shortstop Corey Seager is having an MVP type postseason, hitting .344/.434/.781 with 8 home runs, 19 runs batted in and 20 runs scored.
L.A. is far from a one-man offense however. Max Muncy (3 home runs, 14 runs batted in), Justin Turner, 3 home runs), Cody Bellinger (4 home runs, 13 runs batted in) and Mookie Betts (.284 average, 6 stolen bases) have all been solid this postseason.
Rays Force Game 7
This series has had a back and forth feeling to it throughout, and I think that continues on Tuesday night. While the Dodgers’ offense could take matters into their own hands, I think the Rays are able to find a way to get the win in Game 6. Worst case scenario, the +1.5 run line seems like a smart play on Tampa Bay.
Plus, a Rays’ win would set up the best two words in sports – Game Seven. A potential Walker Buehler vs. Charlie Morton matchup in a winner-take-all game is something we can all root for. For my money, I am taking the Rays at +120 to win Game 6.