Yankees target eighth straight victory vs. Rays
Sitting merely three games behind Boston for first place in the AL East, the Yankees have to feel pretty good about their prospects down the stretch. In Tampa Bay, it’s a vastly different tale.
The two division rivals wrap up an extended series this afternoon, with a 1:05 p.m. ET first pitch in the Bronx. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI like New York to complete the sweep, whereas the Rays symbolize +122 underdogs. The over/run total rests at 9.5.
Joe Girardi’s crew claimed yesterday’s matinee, 5-1, improving to 7-2 in September. Ace Masahiro Tanaka set the tone on the rubber and went on to strike out 10 across 7 1/3 frames. Rejuvenated veteran Jacoby Ellsbury and stud rookie Gary Sanchez also added homers off Chris Archer.
In a few hours, the Yanks hope to create additional offensive buzz against Matt Andriese. The struggling righty is 0-7 with a 6.11 ERA in his past 15 appearances. Nearly a week ago, he permitted seven runs and nine base knocks in five innings during a 7-3 defeat to Baltimore.
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Luis Cessa’s been slightly more effective of late. In fact, New York has captured each of the 24-year-old’s last four outings. Since returning from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Aug. 11, Cessa boasts three outings in which he’s gone at least six innings.
Having dropped six of seven, Kevin Cash’s team appears ready to tap out in 2016. Yet that doesn’t render the lineup incapable of wreaking a little havoc. Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, in particular, finds himself in the middle of a 15-for-33 stretch. Look for an eventful finale in the scoring column.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: RAYS/YANKEES OVER 9.5 RUNS