Toronto @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 2, 2014 ) Toronto 8, Tampa Bay 2

The Toronto Blue Jays are beginning to get their offense going again as they attempt to stay within striking distance of the American League’s second wild-card spot. The Blue Jays, who led the majors in runs in May and were last in August, go for their fifth win in six games Wednesday as they visit the struggling Tampa Bay Rays. Jose Reyes snapped out of a mini-slump with a three-run homer – one of three blasts that helped Toronto open the series with an 8-2 victory on Tuesday.

Reyes had one hit in 16 at-bats over his previous four contests before notching two in the series opener and raising his average to .333 (15-for-45) with eight RBIs in 11 games against the Rays this season. Toronto, which stands 5 1/2 games behind Detroit for the second wild card, is looking to win its first series at Tampa Bay since April 2007. The Rays have lost 11 of their last 17 games and are only 31-39 at home.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET; RSN, TVA (Toronto), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (8-5, 3.88 ERA) vs. Rays RH Chris Archer (8-7, 3.40)

Stroman allowed two runs (one earned) over 7 2/3 innings to beat Boston last Wednesday after losing his previous three decisions, including one against the Rays. The Duke product gave up six runs (five earned) and 10 hits over five frames in that outing on Aug. 22. Stroman, who has recorded 85 strikeouts in 99 2/3 innings, is 2-3 with a 6.33 ERA on the road as opposed to 6-2 and 2.97 marks at home.

Archer permitted a season-high eight runs (seven earned) over four innings against Boston in his last outing after going 4-1 in his previous 10 starts. The North Carolina native makes his fifth start against Toronto this season after going 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in the first four. Reyes is 6-for-14 against Archer, who has struck out 150 in 161 1/3 frames and surrendered only seven homers this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria has registered 34 RBIs in 42 games since the All-Star break after knocking in 44 in his first 97 contests.

2. Toronto RF Jose Bautista has homered in five of his last six games and is one shy of reaching 30 for the third time in his career.

3. Rays C Ryan Hanigan has six hits in 18 at-bats with a pair of RBIs in six games since returning from the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, Blue Jays 2