2017 MLB Season:Tampa Bay Rays vs. Pittsburgh PiratesJune 27, 2017 by Marc Jerbs

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates will host the opening game of a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at the PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The first pitch is set at 7:05 ET.

The Tampa Bay Rays are confident that closer Alex Colome will rebound after he blew two-consecutive games against Baltimore last weekend. Manager Kevin Cash will not put all the blame with his closer since the Ray's bullpen must bridge the gap to their closer in the 9th inning. Alex Colome was forced to worked in the 8th inning to protect a 1-run lead in two-game save loss. In 23 save opportunities, he saved 20 games but the last two blown saves is close in raising a red flag.

For Pittsburgh, the ace in their bullpen is their closer Felipe Rivero. Felipe Rivero was recently moved into the closer role and has delivered for the Pirates. He has a .68 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 40 innings but the rest of the bullpen has struggled. Manager Clint Hurdle believes that his pitching staff will turnaround in the series against Tampa Bay.

The sportsbook handicappers have installed the Pittsburgh Pirates as a 1.5-point favorite to beat the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night.


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