James Shields takes the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night as they play the Seattle Mariners at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Rays are riding high after a 3-1 victory against Seattle on Tuesday night to run their winning streak to three games.
Shields has the opportunity to be the first five-game winner in the big leagues this season as he stands at a 4-0 record with a 3.31 ERA. His last start was on April 27 against the Texas Rangers. In that game he went six innings and while he allowed four runs on 11 hits, he struck out eight Ranger batters. More encouraging for Wednesday's game is that Shields is 7-0 with a 2.56 ERA in his last nine starts at Tropicana Field.
Mariners starting pitcher Blake Beaven has allowed at least three runs and one home run in his last three starts. He enters the game 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA. In his last start against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 27, Beaven allowed three runs on seven hits in five and two-thirds innings, not earning a decision.
The Rays offense might be looking to Matt Joyce because of Evan Longoria's injury. Joyce is currently hitting .346 with five of his six home runs in the last 12 games.
The game is scheduled for a 7:10 first pitch. Television coverage will be provided by Sunshine Sports with radio coverage on WDAE 620 AM.
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