The featured game for June 2, 2011 is the Tampa Bay Rays at the Seattle Mariners.
Winning Ability
Tampa Bay has won just 4 of their last 10 games, while Seattle has posted a winning percentage of .700 in the same number of games. Their records for the year are very close, with Tampa having the slight edge. The numbers are pointing to the Rays, but just barely.
Edge: Rays
Offense
The Mariners do not possess the strongest offense, averaging a little more than 3.5 runs per game to the Rays’ 4.2. This one’s obvious.
Edge: Rays
Pitching
Tomorrow’s starting pitchers are Shields (5-3) for the Rays against King Felix (5-4) for the Mariners. Despite no obvious advantages this season comparing each starting pitcher’s record, the Mariners for the season have been better at preventing runs, allowing only 3.7 runs per game.
Edge: Mariners
Home Field (Dis)Advantage
This season the Mariners have only been slightly better at home than on the road, which isn’t saying much. The Rays, on the other hand, have an away winning percentage of .600, despite being an under .500 team at home.
Edge: Rays
Pick
Despite having an edge in 3 out of the 4 domains, the numbers are still very close. The Rays should come out on top in a tight one.
Pick: Tampa Bay Rays
Difficulty: 9/10
