Philadelphia Phillies vs Tampa Bay Rays: MLB Best Bets (5/8)

The Philadelphia Phillies are down in Florida looking to complete the sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays. They’ve successfully taken the first two of this series, scoring 15 runs in two contests so far, only allowing four. Philly is also coming off a huge 7-0 shutout last night, as the Rays’ bats were nonexistent.

This is the final game between these two ball clubs this season, so not only will the Rays look to avoid getting swept, but this is also their last chance to take down the Phillies this season. Unless the two were able to meet in the World Series. However, the way Tampa Bay has been playing, I don’t know if they stand much of a chance.

Over the past week and a half, the Rays have quite literally been the worst team in the MLB. They are hitting a league low .190 since April 28th, improving to just .193 during the month of May. Things get even worse when facing specific pitchers, but we can get into that later.

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Philadelphia Phillies vs Tampa Bay Rays: Series Finale

Matchup Information – Phillies vs Rays

• Venue & Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field (Tampa, FL)
• Date: Thursday, May 8th, 2025
• First Pitch: 7:05pm Eastern

Pitching Matchup

• Philadelphia Phillies: Jesus Luzardo (3-0, 1.94 ERA, 1.18 WHIP)
• Tampa Bay Rays: Ryan Pepiot (2-4, 4.23 ERA, 1.41 WHIP)

Betting Odds

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Run Line

• Phillies -1.5 (+116)
• Rays +1.5 (-136)

Money Line

• Phillies -140
• Rays +127

Total

• Over 8.5 (-125)
• Under 8.5 (+105)

I am certainly backing the Phillies tonight. The Rays have been terrible all season long, especially the past 10 days or so, and against Luzardo, things are going to be tough. I don’t trust their bats enough

Philadelphia Phillies vs Tampa Bay Rays Best Bets

Phillies vs Rays Prediction: Phillies Win, Over 8.5

Best Bets: Phillies -1.5 (+116) BetOnline

Back the Phillies by two with me tonight. This team is rolling, the bats are firing, and they show no signs of slowing down. The Phillies have won two straight, four of their last five, and eight of their last ten. Despite their 8-9 record on the road, this is a perfect matchup for them to keep things rolling.

Jesus Luzardo has been incredible this season, giving up 2+ earned runs in just three of seven starts this year. He’s allowed just three earned runs in three road starts, and I trust him to continue to shove against the bad Rays’ bats. Tampa Bay hits just .182 this season against lefties as a team, and against an ace like Luzardo, things won’t change today. Although Ryan Pepiot has settled down, he has allowed earned runs in every contest, and has allowed 12 in just 17 innings in his last three at home.

The Rays are just 9-15 at home this year, barely scoring 3.75 runs per game while allowing 3.97. I like the Phillies bats to stay hot tonight at George M. Steinbrenner park, allowing them to complete the sweep and win this game by at least two runs.

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