Matchup: Wade Davis vs. Francisco Liriano
Lineup: From Marc Topkin, St. Pete Times:
Damon dh
Zobrist rf
Longoria 3b
Upton cf
Rodriguez 2b
Kotchman 1b
Ruggiano lf
Shoppach c
Johnson ss
When: 1:10pm, Target Field
TV & Radio: Sun Sports, WDAE 620
Both Davis (4.20 ERA, 4.94 FIP) and Liriano (4.76 ERA, 4.17 FIP) and struggled at points this season, but Liriano has recently reverted to his dominant self, averaging 10 strikeouts per nine over the last month. Wade Davis, on the other hand, is still trying to find consistent success. He’s lacked a strong third offering this season behind his fastball and curveball, and it’s made it difficult for him to put batters away.
The Rays need a win today to keep from being swept. They’re already five games behind the Yankees — here’s hoping that doesn’t get any larger today.