- Analysis
- #960 TAMPA BAY with Martinez (-) over Chicago White Sox with Fedde at 7:10 PM EST
With steam off a pair of home wins over the Rangers and holding victories in eight of their last 10 battles, the Devil Rays will stay hot and knock off the overachieving White Sox on Friday night. Chicago slides in off a pair of emotional one-run home wins over the Bronx Bombers and they'll be out of gas for this American League showdown.
Owning the mound for the hosts will be sizzling right-hander Nick Martinez. In four July starts versus the Guardians, Blue Jays, Mariners, and Astros, No. 28 was nicked for only four earned runs and 17 hits in 22.2 innings. Nick struck out nine and walked three on his way to a 3-0 record with a tremendous 1.59 ERA. Equally impressive, with 20 starts completed this year, Martinez has been tripped up for only 32 earned runs, 109 hits in 117.1 frames. That's good enough for a 10-2 record with a solid 2.45 ERA.
Getting the nod for the Pale Hose will be righty Erick Fedde. Lined up against the Astros, Rangers, Athletics, and Guardians in four July outings, No. 47 was crunched for seven earned runs and 19 hits in 17.2 innings of work. Erick fanned 15 and issued three free passes on his way to a 2-0 mark with a 3.57 ERA. However, on the road, Fedde has been at his statistical worst surrendering 28 earned runs and 50 hits in 46.2 frames. That's bad enough for a 3-5 tally with a soft 5.40 ERA.
A number of lucrative team trends support this Best Bet. Tampa Bay has picked up victories in 64 of its last 108 overall, 40 of its last 56 at home, 18 of its last 25 facing AL Central foes, and 41 of its last 62 under the lights. On the other side of the yard, Chicago has fallen in 15 of its last 25 when facing a team from the AL East and 30 of its last 53 on the road.
In a battle of two division leaders, the home versus road dichotomy will prove to be the difference in this game. Take Tampa Bay with Martinez. Thanks, and best of luck, Tom.
