The Boston Red Sox enter the second half of the 2026 MLB season riding a nine-game winning streak as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Rays, who lead the AL East. With a record of 56-38, the Rays hold a three-game advantage over the New York Yankees, while the Red Sox sit at 46-48, ten games behind Tampa but still in contention for the AL Wild Card.

Griffin Jax (5-6, 3.47 ERA) will take the mound for the Rays, while the Red Sox counter with Jake Bennett (4-3, 2.64). The first pitch at Fenway Park in Boston is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET, marking the first game of a day-night doubleheader. Currently, the Red Sox are favored at -124 on the money line, with the Rays at +103. The over/under for total runs is set at 8.

Before placing any bets, it’s essential to consider insights from SportsLine's proven computer model, which has successfully simulated this matchup 10,000 times. This model has been on a 33-21 run for top-rated MLB picks and has shown a knack for home run prop bets, yielding nearly 30 units of profit in 2025.

Key Betting Insights:

• Money Line: Red Sox -124, Rays +103
• Over/Under: 8 runs
• Run Line: Red Sox -1.5 (+161)

Predictions:

• The model predicts the total runs to stay Under 8, hitting in 75% of games started by Bennett and 66.7% in meetings between these teams.
• Players projected for 1.5 total bases or more include Yandy Diaz, Junio Caminero, and Jonathan Aranda for the Rays, and Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu for the Red Sox.

With projections indicating a combined 7.6 total runs, expect a closely contested matchup as the Red Sox aim to extend their winning streak against the division leaders. For detailed picks and analysis, check SportsLine’s offerings.