The Tampa Bay Rays (29-9) will be trying to increase their lead in the AL East when they face the New York Yankees (21-17) in the second game of their four-game series on Friday night.
Josh Fleming, 0-0, 4.55 ERA, will get the start for the Rays. The Yankees will counter with Gerrit Cole, 5-0, 2.09 ERA.
New York and Tampa Bay split their last 10 meetings.
**This preview was written before Thursday’s game was played**
The Rays followed up their two-game winning streak by losing their last two games. They will try to turn things around with a win over the Yankees, which will give them their third win in their last five games.
Tampa Bay is averaging 6.08 runs per game. Their .272 batting average leads the league. Their .345 on base percentage is also the best in the league, as is their .509 slugging percentage.
Randy Arozarena has been the big bat for Tampa Bay. He leads the team with a .319 batting average, nine home runs, and 30 RBI.
Tampa Bay’s pitching has also been very good, with the team giving up 3.05 runs per game. Opponents have a .210 batting average against the Rays, which leads the league. Their 2.95 ERA is also the best in the league, while their 1.14 WHIP is second.
In his last start, Fleming gave up seven hits and six runs i n five innings, but the Rays got an 8-7 win over the Yankees. They will need a better effort from him if they want to win this game.