2024 MLB Primetime Preview - Rays vs. Yankees: Which team will win the series decider? July 11, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

On Thursday, July 11, the New York Yankees will face the Tampa Bay Rays in the decisive third game of their three-game series at Tropicana Field. First pitch is set at 6:50PM EDT.

The Rays beat the Yankees, 5-3, in Game 1 of this series on Tuesday. The Yankees turned the tables with a 2-1 win on Wednesday. Now, with the series tied at 1-1, fans can expect another thrilling showdown with both teams looking to secure the win and gain momentum as the season progresses.

Shane Baz, the Rays' young right-hander, takes the mound for Tampa Bay. With a solid ERA and impressive strikeout rate, Baz has become a key figure in the Rays' rotation. His ability to mix speeds and locations makes him a challenging opponent for any lineup, and he will be looking to shut down the Yankees' potent offense.

Countering Baz for the Yankees is left-hander Nestor Cortes. Known for his deceptive delivery and crafty pitching style, Cortes has been a reliable starter for New York. He has a knack for keeping hitters off-balance and inducing weak contact. Cortes' control and ability to pitch deep into games will be crucial for the Yankees as they aim to clinch the series.

Injury Report

New York Yankees

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Cody Poteet	Starting Pitcher	15-Day Injured List

Tampa Bay Rays

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Richard Lovelady	Relief Pitcher	15-Day Injured List

Yankees vs. Rays Sports Bet Odds

The Yankees are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Yankees are favored by 1.5 points, with a money line of -168.
• The Reds are the underdogs by 1.5 points, with a money line of +154.
• The over/under is set at 9 points, with the over at -102 and the under at -118.

With both teams evenly matched and the series on the line, this game promises to be a tightly contested battle. The Rays will rely on their home-field advantage and the electric atmosphere at Tropicana Field to propel them. Meanwhile, the Yankees will be looking to their experienced lineup and solid defense to secure the victory.

The duel between Baz and Cortes will be a fascinating subplot, as both pitchers have the capability to dominate the game. The outcome may ultimately hinge on which team can capitalize on scoring opportunities and execute their game plan effectively.

In a game that could go either way, expect a close and hard-fought contest. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, but the Yankees' experience in high-pressure situations might give them a slight edge. Look for a late-inning surge from New York to tip the scales in their favor.

2024 MLB Season Team Statistics

New York Yankees		Tampa Bay Rays
.248	Batting Average	.235
.329	On Base Percentage	.310
N. Cortes (LHP) 3.41	Earned Run Average	S. Baz (RHP) 4.50
132	Home Runs	83
448	Runs Batted In	340