The Tampa Bay Rays will go for their eighth straight win when they play the middle game of their 3-game set with the Athletics tonight in Sac. Tampa took Game 1, cruising to a 10-6 victory. The Rays are in the top spot in the AL East, at 72-46, and own the best record in the American League. The Athletics reside in the fourth spot in the AL West, at 47-72, and do not play well at Sutter Health Park. The A’s are 21-37 overall at their temporary home where they have also lost 6 straight. Tonight’s expected starters are Nick Martinez for Tampa and Mason Barnett for the Athletics. Martinez has been dealing. He is 11-3 with an ERA of just 2.65 and a 1.10 WHIP. Barnett has been just the opposite. He is 1-2 with an elevated ERA of 5.56 and a 1.35 WHIP. The Rays have the edge in runs scored, hits, batting average, and are hot so ride them ’til they are not.
TONIGHT’S PICK: TAMPA BAY RAYS