The Tampa Bay Rays aim to continue their winning ways as they face the Toronto Blue Jays in a crucial matchup on Wednesday night. After securing a 4-2 victory in the series opener, the Rays are looking to build on their momentum and climb above .500 for the first time since May 20.
Brandon Lowe’s two-run homer was instrumental in the Rays’ win on Tuesday night, giving them a 5-3 edge in the season series against the Blue Jays. Despite facing a tough opponent in Toronto, the Rays have shown resilience throughout the season, setting a club record by being at .500 for the 23rd time.
On the pitching front, the Rays will rely on right-hander Zach Eflin to lead them to victory. Eflin, who has a 5-7 record and a 4.14 ERA, will look to improve his performance against the Blue Jays, as he has struggled in previous matchups this season.
In the absence of right-hander Ryan Pepiot, who is recovering from a right knee infection, the Rays turned to Shawn Armstrong and Tyler Alexander to deliver a strong pitching performance on Tuesday. The addition of reliever Joel Kuhnel from the Milwaukee Brewers further strengthens their bullpen.
On the Blue Jays’ side, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Justin Turner have been key offensive players, with Guerrero leading the team with 17 home runs. Turner has also been a consistent performer against American League East rivals, showcasing his hitting prowess in crucial situations.
As both teams gear up for a competitive showdown, the outcome of Wednesday night’s game will have significant implications for their respective postseason aspirations. With the Rays looking to maintain their winning streak and the Blue Jays seeking to even the series, fans can expect an exciting and closely contested matchup at the ballpark.