With back to back victories, the Tampa Bay Rays are in a tie with the Baltimore Orioles for the second spot in the AL East and can take over that spot with a victory in game one of the three-game series between the two teams starting Friday.
The Rays have won five of the last seven matchups between the two teams and couldn't pick a better time to try and keep the success against the Orioles going. Ahead of the Rays and Orioles for the second wild card spot are the Angels by 1.5 games and any win streak or losing streak any team puts together at this point in the season will greatly influence their playoff hopes.
For the Rays on Friday, Matt Moore will take the mound after winning his last start and two of his last three. His only loss of the last three starts was an eight inning performance in which he allowed just two runs, but didn't get much run support in a loss to the Mariners. But he bounced back with a win in the next start, shutting the Angels out in to the seventh inning.
Pitching for the Orioles will be Tommy Hunter, who hasn't earned a win since July 18 and will make the start despite making an appearance as a reliever on Wednesday against the Yankees.
The first pitch at Tropicana Field is scheduled to be thrown at 7:10 p.m. and will be televised on Sun Sports and MASN.
For more on the Rays, check out DRays Bay. For more on the Orioles check Camden Chat. Get news and updates from around MLB at Baseball Nation.