The Rays are back in the friendly confines of Tropicana Field to kick off another round of interleague play against the Florida Marlins. These two teams have been the talk of baseball in the early season. With both teams a combined 16 games over .500 ,this series should generate a lot more local buzz than ever before.
What to watch for: Can Sonny get back in the win column? After starting the year with a 6-1 record through 9 starts, Sonny is winless over his last three starts. The offense should lend him some help tonight as they face off against a Marlins starter who is making only his second career start. Also, can the Rays win this series with only their 3-4-5 starters taking the mound?
Scouting Report on today’s starters from MLB.com:
Andy Sonnanstine- Sonnanstine got a no-decision Saturday night in Texas after allowing two runs on six hits in five innings. The right-hander is a master of deception, employing an array of pitches that he can throw from all different angles. But he has learned to primarily use his fastball to set up the other pitches. Sonnanstine is 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in one career start against the Marlins. His last win came May 16 at St. Louis.
Justin Tucker- After dominating Double-A Carolina all year, the Marlins finally decided to give Tucker a chance in the Major Leagues. He didn’t let them down. Making his big league debut against the Reds on Sunday, Tucker went five innings while giving up just one run on two hits and striking out six in the Marlins’ win. Tucker walked five batters (one intentional) and threw 89 pitches — 45 for strikes. His fastball was in the low- to mid-90s for most of the afternoon, topping out at 95 mph twice. The only run he gave up was a two-out single by his opposing pitcher, Aaron Harang. Coming into the game, Tucker had posted a 4-2 record with the Mudcats and a Southern League-leading 1.41 ERA.
View the game preview from Baseball Reference.
| TAMPA BAY RAYS |
FLORIDA MARLINS |
| 2B Akinori Iwamura | SS - Hanley Ramirez |
| C - Dioner Navarro | RF - Jeremy Hermida |
| CF - B.J. Upton | 3B - Jorge Cantu |
| LF - Eric Hinske | 1B - Mike Jacobs |
| 3B - Evan Longoria | 2B - Dan Uggla |
| 1B - Willy Aybar | DH - Luis Gonzalez |
| DH - Cliff Floyd | LF - Cody Ross |
| RF - Gabe Gross | CF - Alfredo Amezaga |
| SS - Jason Bartlett | C - Matt Treanor |
Be sure to join us in the chat room for some good Rays talk during the game!!!
June 11th, 2008 at 5:54 am
I would like to win the division but if we look at the wild card spot just look at who is breathing down our necks.
Team W L PCT GB
Tampa Bay 38 27 585 -
Oakland 34 30 531 3.5
Baltimore 32 31 508 5.0
New York 33 32 508 5.0
Toronto 34 33 507 5.0