In the first of a three-game series between the Tampa Bay Rays (39-61) and the New York Yankees (52-49) at Tropicana Field, Jake Odorizzi (4-5, 4.10 ERA) and Ivan Nova (7-5, 4.65 ERA) get the start. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Jul. 29 and will air on YES and SUN.
In his most recent outing, Odorizzi pitched 8.0 innings, allowing zero runs and striking out five in a 1-0 loss to the Athletics. Evan Longoria (.292, 52 Rs, 23 HRs, 57 RBIs) continued his strong season Wednesday, going 3 for 4 with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. The Yankees were also unsuccessful the last time Nova pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 7.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out seven and walking two in a 2-1 loss to the Giants. Didi Gregorius (.298, 44 Rs, 11 HRs, 43 RBIs, 5 SBs) has been doing well, going 2 for 4 Wednesday.
Notes
When leading after seven innings, New York is 28-24, while Tampa Bay is 14-23.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Yankees are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Rays have an 11-2 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 25-10. The Yankees have a 41-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total runs this season, Tampa Bay ranks 26th with 395 runs and New York is 23rd with 412.
Ranking 28th, New York is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.704). Tampa Bay ranks in the bottom half at 19th with an OPS of .724.
The Yankees are 31-39 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rays are 21-54 when they allow at least one homer.
