2021 American League Division Series: Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays October 7, 2021 by Marc Jerbs

On Thursday, the Tampa Bay Rays will face the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the 2021 American League Division Series.

First pitch is set 8:07PM EDT at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Tampa Bay Rays are the No. 1 team in the American League with a 100-62 record in the regular season.

They have a few days rest as they waited for the AL Wild Card game winner last Tuesday.

Starting pitcher for Tampa Bay in Game 1 is left-hander Shane McClanahan.

He has a 10-6 record, 141K and 3.43 ERA.

The Boston Red Sox are coming off a superb win against archrival NY Yankees to win the AL Wild Card game.

Waiting for them are the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston knows that this will be a grueling match from Game 1 onwards.

Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez will pitch the Red Sox. He has a 13-8 record, 185 K and 4.74 ERA.

The sportsbook handicappers have installed the Tampa Bay Rays as the favorites to win Game 1 of the ALDS on Thursday night.