May 1, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar (11) celebrates his home run against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning of the second game of a double header at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
So that is what winning feels like! The Tampa Bay Rays swept a double-header against the Boston RedSox on Thursday to win the series 2-1. This was the first series win for the Rays since April 11-13 against the Cincinnati Reds. Though they are 4-6 in their last 10 games, the Rays have moved within 3 games of the AL East lead.
The division is super tight at this point during the season, with every team separated by three games or less. Still surprising is that none of the teams in the division have a positive run differential. With their sweep of the double header, the Rays improved their playoff odds by 6.2% according to Baseball Prospectus. As it stands, the Rays have a 42.9% chance of making the playoffs and a 23.7% chance of winning the division.
Now begins a three game set against the division leading Yankees. A sweep would pull the Rays even with the Yanks, but let’s not get too excited. As with the last series preview, it’ll be short and sweet to keep the mojo going.
Series Preview:
Game 1: Tampa Bay Rays @ New York Yankees
Friday, May 2nd @ 7:05 p.m. EST
TV: Sun Sports, MLB Network
Radio: WDAE 620 AM /95.3 FM, WGES 680 (Sp.)
David Price (3-2, 4.75 ERA/3.48 FIP) vs. Vidal Nuno (0-0, 6.59 ERA/5.32 FIP )
Rays Win If…David Price lays off of the big bubbles:
Game 2: Tampa Bay Rays @ New York Yankees
Saturday, May 3rd @ 1:05 p.m. EST
TV: Sun Sports
Radio: WDAE 620 AM /95.3 FM, WGES 680 (Sp.)
Jake Odorizzi (1-3, 6.85 ERA/4.43 FIP) vs. Masahiro Tanaka (3-0, 2.27 ERA/2.95 FIP )
Rays Win If…they can find a way to hit this:
Game 3: Tampa Bay Rays @ New York Yankees
Sunday, May 4th @ 1:05 p.m. EST
TV: Sun Sports, MLB Network
Radio: WDAE 620 AM /95.3 FM, WAMA 1550 (Sp.)
Erik Bedard (0-1, 5.52 ERA/3.80 FIP) vs. C.C. Sabathia (3-3, 5.11 ERA/3.99 FIP )
Rays Win If…Wil Myers repeats history:
For more information on the upcoming series, visit the Fansided team pages for the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees.
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