Minnesota @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 10, 2013 ) Minnesota 3, Tampa Bay 4

The Tampa Bay Rays are getting key hits, outstanding starting pitching and dominant work from the bullpen during their mid-season surge. Matt Moore goes for his 13th victory Thursday as the Rays attempt to finish a four-game sweep of the visiting Minnesota Twins and extend their winning streak to eight. Tampa Bay has gotten 15 quality starts in its last 17 contests, scored 64 runs in the last 12 and its relievers tossed seven scoreless frames in a 4-3, 13-inning victory Wednesday.

The Rays’ bullpen has a 2.31 ERA in the last 43 games after posting a major-league-worst 4.96 mark through the first 49 contests. The Twins are looking to turn things around after dropping 10 of their last 11 contests, including the last four. Rookie center fielder Aaron Hicks has been a bright spot for Minnesota, recording five extra-base hits in the last four games, and playing outstanding defense.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (4-6, 5.63 ERA) vs. Rays LH Matt Moore (12-3, 3.42)

Pelfrey produced his best effort of the season after coming off the disabled list Saturday, shutting out Toronto over six innings for his first win in nine starts. The right-hander has allowed 97 hits over 76 2/3 innings overall, but held opponents to three or fewer runs in seven of his last 10 outings. Kelly Johnson is 7-for-28 with a homer versus Pelfrey, who pitched once against Tampa Bay in 2009 without getting a decision.

Moore has not allowed a run in 17 1/3 innings and won his last four starts. The 24-year-old, who could be a leading candidate if a substitute is needed for the All-Star Game, has struggled with control at times while walking 53 and striking 98 in 100 innings. Joe Mauer is 2-for-2 with a walk against Moore, who yielded three runs over 6 1/3 innings in his only start versus the Twins last year and did not get a decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay RHP Fernando Rodney is 12-for-12 in save opportunities since blowing five of his first 14.

2. Mauer has the best batting average (.375) against the Rays among all active regulars in the majors.

3. Rays 3B Evan Longoria has gone 14 games without an extra-base hit, the longest drought of his career.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Twins 1