The Rays (53-49) hope to end their losing skid, sending James Shields to take on Trevor Cahill and the Oakland A's (46-57). Shields is coming off yet another impressive outing, a 7+ innings performance against the New York Yankees, but he may need to keep repeat or improve upon that start if he wants the Rays to win tonight.
In the month of July, the Rays have been scoring around 3.8 runs per game -- not nearly enough considering how unpredictable their bullpen has been. Despite Kyle Farnsworth's amazing season, the Rays pen is the 5th worst in the AL with a 3.90 ERA and a 4.19 FIP.
Opposing the Rays tonight will be pitcher Trevor Cahill, the 23-year-old pitcher who is enjoying another solid season as the team's young ace. Sporting a 3.77 ERA and 4.09 FIP, Cahill has pitched much better against righties (3.70 FIP) than lefties (4.42 FIP) this season. Expect to see the Rays deploy as many lefties and switch hitters as they can, looking for their third win in the last eight games.
Current Series
Athletics lead the series 2-0
| Mon 07/25 |
WP: Brian Fuentes (2 - 8) SV: Andrew Bailey LP: J.P. Howell (2 - 2) |
5 - 7 loss |
| Tue 07/26 |
WP: Brandon McCarthy (3 - 5) LP: David Price (9 - 9) |
1 - 6 loss |
|
Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday, Jul 27, 2011, 10:05 PM EDT James Shields vs Trevor Cahill Clear. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 70.
Complete Coverage > |
||
| Thu 07/28 | 3:35 PM EDT | |
