Yankees-Rays Series Preview

The Yankees recently lost two of three in Baltimore.  The Rays struggled in Toronto and lost two of three.  Here is a series preview in Tampa Bay between the Yankees and Rays.

New York enters Tampa Bay in first place in the AL East by just a half game over Boston.  Amazingly, just four games separate the Yankees and the division's fourth place team, yes, you guessed it, Tampa Bay.  Talk about a competitive division.

Player to watch:  Matt Moore.  Moore pitches in game two for the Rays and is 8-0 on the season.  Can the Yanks end his undefeated streak?

Pitching match-ups:  Friday:  David Phelps (2-2, 3.83 ERA) vs. Roberto Hernandez (2-4, 5.24 ERA).  Saturday:  CC Sabathia (4-3, 3.43 ERA) vs. Matt Moore (8-0, 2.29 ERA).  Sunday:  Phil Hughes (2-3, 5.51 ERA) vs. Alex Cobb (5-2, 2.73 ERA).

Prediction:  Rays win two of three.  For one reason or another, the Yankees have had trouble at Tropicana Field in recent years and the Rays easily have the pitching advantage here because their two best guys right now, Matt Moore and Alex Cobb, throw in the series.

By:  Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike," 1-4, Yankees pre/post game host on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.  Follow him on Twitter @MikeLSports.