Tampa Bay @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 5, 2013 ) Tampa Bay 3, Detroit 0

The Tampa Bay Rays have the best record (18-8) in the American League since May 8 primarily because they are hitting in the clutch. The Rays look to continue that trend when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon for the rubber match of a three-game series. Tampa Bay is batting .300 with runners in scoring position -- second in the majors -- and Evan Longoria recorded a key RBI single in the ninth as the Rays won 3-0 on Wednesday.

Prince Fielder was 8-for-9 with 10 RBIs in his last 10 plate appearances after Miguel Cabrera drew a walk before striking out twice against the Rays in the same situation Wednesday. Cabrera, who was given an intentional pass twice, was held hitless for only the third time since April 29. Detroit catcher Alex Avila had a pair of hits Wednesday after being mired in a 4-for-42 slump.

TV: 1:08 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa), Fox Sports Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Roberto Hernandez (3-5, 4.87 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Max Scherzer (7-0, 3.42)

Hernandez is coming off his best outing of the season when he yielded one unearned run on three hits over 8 2/3 innings to beat Miami. The veteran right-hander, who has surrendered 10 homers in 57 1/3 innings, is 8-6 with a 4.03 lifetime against Detroit in 20 appearances (17 starts). Cabrera is 12-for-36 against Hernandez in his career with three homers.

Scherzer has allowed only five runs in his last three starts over 22 innings with 23 strikeouts, winning two decisions. The right-hander has struck out 91 overall and walked 18 in 76 1/3 innings, while opponents are batting only .187 against him. Scherzer is 1-2 in four career starts against Tampa Bay with a 3.04 ERA and Yunel Escobar is 11-for-26 against him with a homer.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit DH Victor Martinez is 1-for-8 in the series, but is 92-for-253 (.364) with eight homers and 44 RBIs against Tampa Bay in his career.

2. Tampa Bay closer Fernando Rodney has allowed no runs and one hit over his last six outings with three saves and a victory.

3. The Tigers have won 51 of their last 72 games at their home field – Comerica Park.

PREDICTION: Tigers 8, Rays 3