The Tampa Bay Rays are tied with the Baltimore Orioles for the wild card spots in the American League. They hold a two-and-a-half game advantage over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after Thursday's 7-0 victory. Entering Friday, the Rays have not allowed a run to the Angels in 33 consecutive innings at Angel Stadium.
If the Rays are going to hold on to their advantage over the Angels, pitcher James Shields (10-7, 4.02 ERA) will have to pick up where last night's starter, David Price, left off. In Shields' last start, Aug. 12 against the Minnesota Twins, Shields went seven innings, allowing three runs, two earned, on five hits in a no-decision.
The Rays' offense, which rebounded pretty well after Felix Hernandez's perfect game on Wednesday, will have to deal with another staff ace in the Angels' Jered Weaver (15-2, 2.22). Weaver is trying to rebound from only his second loss of the season, which came Aug. 12 against the Seattle Mariners. In that game, Weaver allowed three runs on four hits, including two home runs, taking the loss in that game.
The game is scheduled for a 10:05 p.m. first pitch from Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Television coverage will be provided by Sunshine Sports with radio coverage from WFLA 970 AM.
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