RAYS head left for an important Left Coast Trip that includes a stop at CHAVEZ Ravine...up first a 2-Piece with the D-BACKS...A CUP of JOE in the Show Report..."Rays Left Coast Swing" #TBHardball #DBackHardball

They both are on the clock and for the Rays they gained 1/2 game last night as the 'Stros surprised the Carmines in Rocket City last night 2-0. The Rays are 1/2 back in the AL East and this is an important trip on a few fronts. Inter League Play is on the Menu and potentially a Fall Classic Duel with "A Whole New Dodger Blue" might be in the cards. They will get the Dodgers later in the week as they tangle with the D-Backs first.

Speaking of D-Backs they are falling back into the wrong pack as the Dodgers won't lose. As we go to press they are six games back and they need to start heading towards the "Boys in Blue" or its over at Labor Day...real talk! Now they face arguably the best Starting Rotation in the Show in the Rays with 2012 AL Cy Young Winner David Price.

RAYS Gang @ D-BACKS 2-Piece Inter League Duel

August 6, 2013 9:40pm ET
TB Hellickson (10-4) vs ARI Miley (8-8)

August 7, 2013 9:40pm ET
TB Archer (6-4) vs ARI Delgado (4-3)

This is an Appetizer for the Rays as they will get the Dodgers on the weekend but its also and Entree as they chase the Red Sox in the AL East. The D-Backs can't be scoreboard watching as they have to start taking care of what they can control...their record and just play good solid Hardball.

Hitting Stars in this one...

TB

3B Longoria 21 HR 59 RBI leads Rays
CF Jennings 69 Runs
2B Zorbrist 26 Doubles

ARI

1B Goldschmidt .301 Avg 26 HR 89 RBI 71 Runs leads D-Backs
CF Parra 27 Doubles

Note: Numbers and Schedule from MLB.com