Tampa Bay @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 1, 2013 ) Tampa Bay 0, Cleveland 5

The Cleveland Indians are competing for a playoff spot through one-third of the season primarily because everyone in their lineup is taking turns producing big hits. The Indians look to continue that trend on Sunday when they host the Tampa Bay Rays in the rubber match of a three-game series. Veteran Jason Giambi took the lead Saturday, knocking in three in a 5-0 victory. He is one of seven players with at least 19 RBIs - and one of eight with five or more homers for Cleveland.

The Rays had the best record in the American League in May (18-10) before being shut out for the third time this season – twice by the Indians. Desmond Jennings is 9-for-19 the last six games since dropping from the leadoff spot for Tampa Bay. Ben Zobrist, who had Saturday off, is 6-for-20 with five runs scored since taking the top spot in the order.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, SunSports (Tampa), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jeremy Hellickson (2-2, 5.61 ERA) vs. Indians RH Zach McAllister (4-4, 3.08)

Hellickson is 1-0 over his last six starts despite allowing 28 runs combined over 37 2/3 innings. The right-hander yielded five runs on 5 1/3 innings against Miami in his last start without getting a decision. Hellickson is 1-1 with a 2.37 ERA in three career starts against Cleveland and outfielder Michael Brantley is 3-for-8 with a homer against him.

McAllister has been consistent all season, giving up three or fewer earned runs in 10 turns. The 25-year-old surrendered three runs on a season-high 10 hits against Cincinnati over 5 1/3 innings to lose for the first time in six starts his last time out. Zobrist is 2-for-8 with three RBIs against McAllister, who is 1-1 in three starts against Cleveland with a 1.53 ERA - giving up six unearned runs.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians have won 16 of their last 21 games at home, outscoring opponents 112-73 in that span.

2. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria is 6-for-39 with two RBIs in his last nine games, dropping his average to .302.

3. Cleveland is batting .313 with two outs and runners in scoring position – best in the American League.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Rays 3