Underdog Rays the Baseball Bet Tonight when Facing Hudson and Atlanta

Two of baseball’s best will do battle in Thursday night’s Major League Baseball betting odds.

That’s when the first place Tampa Bay Rays, visit the first place Atlanta Braves in the third game of a three game set.

What separates these two from most others in baseball is their quality pitching. And Thursday’s matchup will be no exception.

Tampa Bay Rays (41-24 SU, 32-33 R/L, 30-32-3 O/U) at

Atlanta Braves (38-28 SU, 35-31 R/L, 33-29-4 O/U)

Thursday, June 17: 7:10 p.m.

MLB Betting Odds:

Tampa Bay: +1 ½, -190, +110 (James Shields-R)

Atlanta: – 1 ½, +160, -130 (Tim Hudson)

Total Runs:

Over 8 ½: -105

Under 8 ½: -115

Taking the bump for the home team Atlanta, will be Tim Hudson. After making only seven starts in 2009, Hudson has bounced back in a big way in 2010. The 34-year-old has been phenomenal so far, as his record stands at 6-2, and his 2.43 ERA is tops amongst all Braves starters.

The one mark of Hudson so far in 2010 though has been his consistency. With 13 starts now under his belt, he has still yet to yield more than three earned runs. That is probably why the Braves as a team are 5-2 in his last seven outings.

Opposing Hudson will be another premiere arm, Rays righty James Shields.

While Shields doesn’t have the overpowering arm of Matt Garza or the moxie of David Price, he still has quality stuff. And for the most part he’s been good this year, although his last three starts have left Rays fans scratching their heads.

In them, Shields has allowed a staggering 20 earned runs in just 15.2 innings. His last outing was his worst of the season, as he gave up 10 earned in just 3.1. Expect a much, much better performance Thursday.
Things won’t come easy for the struggling Shields against a solid Braves lineup.

This group is deep and experienced, with a nice balance of both average and power. Leading the charge for Atlanta is one of the National League’s top hitters, second baseman Martin Prado. While Prado doesn’t get the love that many of the big boppers around him get, his .338 average is second only to Andre Ethier of the Dodgers.

Third baseman Troy Glaus and outfielder Jason Heyward have combined for 23 home runs.

Not to be outdone though is a Tampa Bay offense which should lead them to victory in Thursday night’s basball betting odds. It is an explosive group that relies heavily on third baseman Evan Longoria, who is making a strong case for league MVP. So far this season, Longoria is a stud, as he’s hitting .316 with 12 home runs and 51 RBI.

There aren’t many better overall hitters in the game right now.

With Longoria’s big bat, and a bounce back game from Shields, expect a big Tampa Bay win.

As good as Hudson has been, he seems due for a rough outing, especially against the dangerous lineup the Rays bring to town. Look for them to jump on the Braves starter early, as they cruise to a run line victory.

Aaron’s Pick: Tampa Bay + 1 ½ (-190)