Rays: Up next

By MARC TOPKIN
Published June 29, 2007

Tonight-Monday

What's new: The Indians are on a roll, scoring runs at will (second in the majors overall, 5.47 per game), pitching deep into games and getting solid relief. C Victor Martinez and DH Travis Hafner rank among the league leaders in RBIs and OF Grady Sizemore is an all-around threat, their starters have gone five-plus innings in 66 of 77 games, and their bullpen has been solid behind former Rays closer Joe Borowski, tied for the AL lead with 22 saves. Indians pitchers have issued the fewest walks in the majors.

Key stat: Sizemore has played in 274 consecutive games, the second-longest active streak (Juan Pierre, 350). Sizemore's last day off? Aug. 25, 2005, at Tropicana Field.

Who's hot: Martinez has been hot since April 28, hitting in 47 of 57 games at a .326 clip (72-for-221) with 48 RBIs.

Who's not: Hafner can be a one-man force but has been cool so far in June, hitting .218 (17-for-80) with two homers and 11 RBIs in 23 games.

Connections: Indians OF Jason Michaels is a Tampa native and Jesuit High grad. Rays RHP Andy Sonnanstine is an Ohio native and resident.

Series history: The Indians lead 2-1 this season, 49-25 overall, 26-12 at Cleveland, where they've won the past five.

[Last modified June 29, 2007, 00:25:52]