Tampa Bay @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 13, 2013 ) Tampa Bay 3, Minnesota 0

The Tampa Bay Rays appear to be regaining some confidence as they've posted two straight victories while they try to hold on to an American League playoff spot. The Rays send Matt Moore to the mound Saturday as they attempt to extend the streak and continue their mastery against the host Minnesota Twins. Tampa Bay, which leads Cleveland by 1 1/2 games for the second AL wild-card berth, extended its winning streak versus the Twins to 10 games with Friday's 3-0 triumph.

The Rays had lost 13 of 17 games before beating Boston 4-3 on Thursday, and Moore looks to build off Chris Archer’s six scoreless innings on Friday. The Twins have been outscored 29-5 while dropping three straight and are 3-15 over their last 18 at home. Trevor Plouffe had two hits Friday for Minnesota, which is 0-5 against Tampa Bay this year, and is 18-for-50 with seven RBIs in 12 games this month.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Matt Moore (15-3, 3.18 ERA) vs. Twins LH Andrew Albers (2-2, 3.35)

Moore has allowed only two runs (one earned) in 11 2/3 innings since coming off the disabled list. The 24-year-old beat the Twins on July 11 at home, giving up three runs over 7 1/3 frames with 10 strikeouts, and has not lost since June 14. Brian Dozier is 1-for-3 with a double against Moore, who is 8-1 with a 2.88 ERA on the road.

Albers settled for a no-decision in his last outing despite blanking Toronto over seven innings, marking the third time in seven major-league starts he has not allowed a run. The 27-year-old, who is 0-2 in his last five starts, is facing Tampa Bay for the first time. Albers has served up four homers in 45 2/3 innings, striking out 20 and walking only three since joining the rotation in early August.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria needs one homer to join Carlos Pena as the only players in club history to have three seasons with 30 or more.

2. Minnesota has received 32 home runs from rookies this season, its most since the 1999 team had 42.

3. Rays OF Wil Myers leads all AL rookies with 44 RBIs in only 71 games.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Twins 2