Boston at Tampa Bay

The wins keep piling up for Boston, who heads to Tampa at 39-25 for the season. John Lackey's record does not reflect what he has done, pitching four straight quality starts, but is 3-5 on the season. His ERA shows he has deserved a much better fate at 2.79 on the season. While the Yankees have historically struggled vs. Tampa, such has not been the case for Boston, who own a 5-1 series record on the season vs. the Rays. The Sox have been able to win the expected pitching duels, as they own a 22-9 mark in their last 31 games to a posted total of 7-8.5. The Rays offense has been better than advertised, but good pitching has kept them out of the win column at 1-6 in their last seven vs. a pitcher with a WHIP under 1.15. Play on Boston.