Rays Report

By MARC TOPKIN
Published July 22, 2007

Did you know?

The Rays have played 12 doubleheaders in franchise history and have been swept six times and split six times. It was the third time they were swept at Yankee Stadium.

Quote of the day

"We have (James) Shields going (today) and we have a chance to split the series here under some very difficult circumstances."

Manager Joe Maddon, trying to find a bright spot.

Number of the day

9:31 Elapsed time from the first pitch of Saturday's first game to the last pitch of the nightcap.

Today: Rays at Yankees

When/where: 1:05; Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y.

TV/radio: FSN; 1250-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Probable pitchers: Rays - RHP James Shields (8-5, 3.91); Yankees - LHP Andy Pettitte (5-6, 4.10)

Rays tickets: $8-$210. Available at Tropicana Field box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, devilrays.com.

Rays info: (727) 825-3250

Watch for ...

Control freak: Want proof that Rays starter James Shields is usually around the plate? He has walked only 21 (including just three in his past 531/3 innings) but has allowed 22 home runs, second most in the majors. Johnny Damon is 4-for-7 off him, but Alex Rodriguez is 1-for-9.

Dandy Andy: Yankees starter Andy Pettitte is 12-1, 3.27 in 19 games against the Rays, including an unimpressive four-inning no-decision July 12 at the Trop. Ty Wigginton is 2-for-15 against him, but Carl Crawford is 4-for-11.

Seventh-day adventurists: The Rays are 6-2 in Sunday road games, 2-5 at home.

On deck

Monday: Off

Tuesday: at Orioles, 7:25 p.m., Ch. 66. Rays - Scott Kazmir (7-6, 4.02); Orioles - Daniel Cabrera (6-10, 5.30)

Wednesday: at Orioles, 7:05 p.m., FSN. Rays - Andy Sonnanstine (1-5, 5.37); Orioles - Erik Bedard (9-4, 3.12)

Thursday: at Orioles, 12:35 p.m., FSN. Rays - Edwin Jackson (2-9, 6.55); Orioles - Steve Trachsel (5-6, 4.95)

[Last modified July 22, 2007, 01:21:26]