MLB Preview: Rays Face Yankees in Series Finale

The Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees will close out their opening series tonight. After splitting the first two games, tonight’s rubber match will allow one team to secure their first series win.

Series So Far

Opening Day began with a “W” in the win column for the Rays. Chris Archer pitched seven innings for Tampa. Evan Longoria and Logan Morrison both went yard, leading the Rays to a 7-3 win.

Hear that?

The sweet sound of our first W this season. #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/g5X9VS8bVs

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 2, 2017

However, the Yankees offense stole the show in the second game. The long ball proved key again, as Chase Headley and Ronald Torreyes each homered. CC Sabathia pitched five shutout innings, and the Yankees came out on top 5-0.

#StartSpreadingTheNews it's win No. ☝️!

Final: #Yankees 5, Rays 0. pic.twitter.com/ZKN41vJO2U

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 5, 2017

Starters

Alex Cobb will take the mound for Tampa. Cobb pitched in five games towards the end of last season, coming off Tommy John surgery. He has seen success in his career against the Yankees, holding a 2.91 ERA against New York. Cobb says he has been paying close attention to the Yankees hitters throughout the series.

Michael Pineda will take the hill for New York. Pineda is beginning his fourth season as a Yankee. Yankee fans are hoping he returns to his early New York form; he posted a 1.89 ERA in his first season with them. However, he has had an ERA over 4 the past two seasons. He will look to get off to a good start tonight in Tampa.

Looking Ahead

Tonight’s series finale at Tropicana Field will begin at 7:10. A rematch of sorts will occur next week, as the Rays will travel to New York for a 3-game series at Yankee Stadium.