orioles

Tampa Bay Rays @ New York Yankees

The Yankees have clinched a post-season berth by winning the first game of today's double-header and now they'll be keen to wrap up the AL East, so they're not going to come off the gas, but I hope it won't be tonight, because I like the Rays to take this one.

CC has scuffled a bit lately and has put in some hard yards down the stretch - he has pitched the 4th highest number of innings in the AL. His fastball has been getting some hammer as he has struggled with his location; his heater has been hit to a .408 batting average by opponents over his last nine starts.

This Tampa lineup is hitting .266/.338/.494 against him and Tampa know they have to snap this 2 game losing streak to head off the challenge of the Red Sox and make the post-season themselves.

Since the All Star Break, Hellickson has been strong (1.13/2.49 WHIP/ERA) and I can't resist the price.

Pick: Rays @ 2.70

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2011 Season (Level Stakes)

100-98 (+5.67pts)