Boston @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 25, 2014 ) Boston 4, Tampa Bay 6

A pair of rivals heading in opposite directions square off Saturday night when the Tampa Bay Rays put an eight-game winning streak on the line against the visiting Boston Red Sox. The Rays' run, which has allowed them to leapfrog the Red Sox in the American League East standings, is tied for the second-longest in franchise history behind a 12-gamer in 2004. Tampa Bay is 4-0 this year at home against Boston, which has dropped four in a row since a 14-1 win at Toronto on Monday.

Evan Longoria had a three-run double and David Price struck out 10 over eight solid innings in a 6-4 triumph in the series opener Friday. Price's effort came in a much-anticipated encounter with the Sox and slugger David Ortiz, with whom the left-hander had a heated exchange in the days following a beanball incident in Boston on May 30. Ortiz had an RBI single in Friday's loss to get a tiny measure of revenge and has driven in nine of his team's 25 runs during the 1-4 road trip.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH John Lackey (11-6, 3.66 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jeremy Hellickson (0-0, 2.08)

Lackey is seeking his third straight win and the 150th of his career after defeating Toronto with seven outstanding innings on Monday. He allowed a run on a season-low two hits and did not walk a batter for the first time since May 28. The veteran tossed seven scoreless in his last start at Tampa Bay on May 23 and has allowed two runs in 15 frames against the division rivals this year.

Hellickson is expected to be recalled from Single-A Charlotte and make his second start in the majors this season after working his way back from elbow surgery. He allowed one run in 4 1/3 innings against Kansas City on July 8 before making two more minor-league starts prior to the recall. The 27-year-old, who lasted just one-plus inning in Game 4 of the ALDS against Boston last fall, is 4-2 with a 4.21 ERA in 13 career appearances (12 starts) versus the Red Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays SS Yunel Escobar is 8-for-21 with three walks against Lackey.

2. Red Sox RF Shane Victorino is 10-for-23 since coming off the disabled list July 19.

3. Tampa Bay's pitching staff owns a 1.50 ERA during the eight-game win streak.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Rays 4