MLB Playoff Betting: Rays at Red Sox

Joe Maddon’s Tampa Bay Rays could capture the franchise’s first American League pennant with a win over the defending champion Boston Red Sox in Game 5 of the ALCS on Thursday night.

With the prospect of the World Series in his thoughts, Maddon took the ball out of scheduled starter James Shields’ glove and handed it to Scott Kazmir.

This move may have caught baseball bettors off guard, but we here at Legendz are tough to surprise. With our years of oddsmaking experience and proven track record, we released Maddon’s revamped lineup as a +133 underdog at Fenway Park.

The Rays’ manager defended his decision Wednesday. Maddon said the extra day off between games gives Kazmir his usual four days of rest, and puts an additional 24 hours between him and his horrific Game 2 appearance last Saturday.

Kazmir couldn’t get ahold of his breaking ball in that start, racking up nearly 100 pitches in just over four innings of work. He allowed five runs on six hits including three home runs, and was bailed out by the bullpen in the 9-8 win.

Another reason why Maddon picked Kazmir for Thursday is Shields’ inability to pitch on the road. The righthander hasn’t taken the bump in a hostile environment yet in the postseason and has a 5-6 record and 4.82 ERA on the road during the regular season.

Kazmir also hasn’t started a game on the road in October, but does have a 4.50 ERA in two appearances in Boston this year.

It might not even matter how anyone pitches in this game if the Rays continue to pound the cover off the baseball. Tampa Bay has outscored the Red Sox 31-15 over the past three games and is batting a collective .287 with 10 home runs in the playoffs.

The Rays’ sluggers will have their work cut out for them against Boston starter Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Japanese righty is coming off a stellar Game 1 effort in which he allowed just four hits through seven innings in a 2-0 victory.

Dice-K’s presence is a big reason why we’ve locked in Boston as the home favorite for Thursday. We opened with the BoSox at -153 with their ace on the hill and their backs against the wall. That number has dropped a bit as the money sides with Tampa Bay’s Cinderella season.

No matter if you’re betting on a Rays’ celebration in Beantown or another trip to Tampa, Legendz assures our customers quick payouts and expert service to make this fall a classic.

Bobby Sharps