The Tampa Bay Rays were able to force a Game 4 yesterday in the ALDS by routing the Houston Astros, 10-3. It has been a good run for the Rays but they will have to be clicking on every cylinder tonight when they face Justin Verlander, if they want it to continue. Verlander was spectacular in Game 1, holding the Rays to just 1 hit and no runs over 7 innings of work. Verlander has dominated Tampa at the Trop, going 6-3 in his career with an ERA of 2.87. The Rays will play bullpen ball and are expected to go with Diego Castillo as the opener. Castillo did make 6 starts this year but the results were not good, posting a 6.15 ERA. Verlander will be pitching on 3 days’ rest but I don’t see that as a problem. He says he is ready and wants the ball.
TONIGHT’S PICK: HOUSTON ASTROS