MLB Betting – Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Game 6
The Los Angeles Dodgers have overcome a lot to get within one win of their first World Series title since 1988. They overcame a 3-1 series deficit to the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS and their comedy of errors that allowed the Tampa Bay Rays to even the World Series at 2-2. Clayton Kershaw exorcised his postseason demons with a gutty performance lifting the Dodgers to a 4-2 Game 5 win and what feels like a team of destiny is knocking at the door. Don’t count the Rays out just yet, though. Tampa Bay sends 2018 Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to the mound looking to take the 2020 World Series the distance. He’ll be opposed by LA’s Tony Gonsolin. Bookmaker.eu is offering a generous welcome bonus (max bonus $1600)
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Date and Time: Tuesday, October 27, 2020, 8:05 p.m. ET
Location: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
Probable Pitchers: Blake Snell vs. Tony Gonsolin
Opening MLB Odds: Los Angeles -140, Tampa Bay +126, O/U 8.5
Rays vs. Dodgers TV Coverage: FOX
It doesn’t matter how good Tampa’s pitching is, they need to get more consistent production on offense and score more runs in order to take the series to the max. In their three losses the Rays scored a total of seven runs while putting up 14 runs in their wins. The teams played below the total for the first time in the series in LA’s 4-2 Game 5 win. You can’t fault their forward thinking in trying to manufacture runs. Manuel Margot attempted a straight steal of home last game, though the move didn’t pay off.
The Rays are hitting just .214 as a team during the entire postseason with a slightly higher average of .228 in the World Series. Margot’s decision came at a tipping point with the game in the balance. The Rays closed within 3-2 and had Kershaw on the ropes with runners at first and third and nobody out. Joey Wendle then popped out and Willy Adames struck out setting the stage. After getting out of the inning Kershaw retired the next five batters and the bullpen closed the door. If the Rays have to manufacture runs their chances of extending the series decrease.
The Dodgers smell blood and their relentless offense isn’t going to let up. They may get stopped for a few innings, but there are too many weapons to silence over the long haul. After smacking 16 home runs in the NLCS, the Dodgers are at it again beating the Rays at their own game. They’re batting .264 as a team with 11 homers in the World Series, three more than the Rays who have a playoff-high 33 homers.
Both teams have their staffs set up for the final two games if it goes that far. Gonsolin gets the nod for LA and will have to be nearly perfect to go deep in Game 6. The only hurlers not available according to Dave Roberts are Walker Buehler, who would get the nod in Game 7, Kershaw and Julio Urias. Facing a must win the Rays have everybody available with the exception of possible Game 7 starter Charlie Morton.
Probable Pitchers
The Rays have the guy they want on the hill with Snell getting the call in the do-or-die Game 6. Tampa is 3-2 in his five postseason starts, including a 6-4 verdict in Game 2 when the lefty went 4.2 frames giving up two hits and two runs while striking out nine. Snell hasn’t gone beyond six innings in any start this season and with the season in the balance you can expect a quick hook if the Dodgers start barreling the ball. Snell is 2-2 with a 3.33 ERA and 1.32 WHIP over 24.2 innings during the postseason.
Roberts elected not to start Buehler in Game 6 on short rest instead giving the ball to Gonsolin, who has failed to find the same success during the postseason that he enjoyed during the regular year. Gonsolin compiled a 2.31 ERA walking just seven batters across 46.2 regular season innings. Command has been the issue with seven free passes issued in 7.2 playoff frames. He’s allowed only six hits though three of them have left the yard. Gonsolin started Game 2 lasting 1.1 innings giving up a homer to Brandon Lowe.
Player to Watch
Gonsolin is obviously the key for the Dodgers. Maybe the stage is too big for him but you know the guy can pitch. He was lights out during the regular season and over the last two years he’s compiled a 2.60 ERA over 86.2 innings with a 0.92 WHIP. So to see him struggle as mightily as he has is a concern. Roberts has no problem going back to the righty with hopes that his control is better. Gonsolin has issued as many free passes in 7.2 playoff innings then he did during the 2020 regular season throwing 46.2 innings. The guy can be dominant and against a struggling Rays lineup look for Gonsolin to fine tune his game.
Bet Rays vs. Dodgers at BookMaker.eu
I said this before when I picked the Dodgers to win in six; they are a team of destiny. Many of the same players are around from their past near misses and that makes them only hungrier. They’ve hit the ball well and if not for a cluster of errors in Game 4 they’d have it wrapped up. Gonsolin will come through, he’s too good not to, and the Dodgers will finally get that championship.
MLB Score Prediction: Dodgers 6, Rays 4
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today.
