Though they play in the same division, the Yankees and Devil Rays have been as far apart as two franchises can be over the past nine seasons.
While the Yankees have clinched their ninth consecutive American League East title, the Devil Rays are on the verge of their eighth last-place finish in their nine years of existence. There have been few lowlights for New York against Tampa Bay, but most of them came last season when the Yankees posted an 8-11 mark in their season series against their Florida rivals.
It was the first time the Bronx Bombers lost a season series to Tampa Bay, but the favor has been more than returned this season. The Yanks are 11-3 against the Rays this year, and are a win away from their 100th all-time victory over Tampa Bay. The Yankees' franchise mark against the Rays currently stands at 99-45.
With one more victory, second-year hurler Chien-Ming Wang will have the most wins by a Yankee since Andy Pettitte won 21 in 2003. Wang is 2-0 with a 1.11 ERA in three starts against the Rays this season.
Rays rookie James Shields can only hope that his sophomore year is as successful as Wang's has been. For now, however, Shields is mired in a four-game winless streak. The right-hander has pitched well at Tropicana Field, going 4-2 with a 3.78 ERA in nine home starts.
Pitching matchup
NYY: RHP Chien-Ming Wang (17-6, 3.64 ERA)
The key for Wang is to keep the bases empty. He has an 0.84 ERA with the bases empty, but a 7.39 ERA when at least one runner is on base.
TB: RHP James Shields (6-7, 4.82 ERA)
Shields is 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA in two starts against the Yankees this season.
Player to watch
Johnny Damon has two home runs and a single in four career at-bats against Shields. The Yankee center fielder is hitting .291 against right-handed pitching this season.
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