The Rays try for a fourth consecutive victory to sweep a brief two-game home series with the Athletics on Wednesday. Off to the best start in its 13-year history, the Rays (15-5) beat the Athletics 8-6 on Tuesday to match the club record for wins in April. Owners of the majors’ best record, the Rays have won 12 of 14 and continue to produce at the plate.

The Athletics hope Dallas Braden (3-0, 2.77 ERA) can cool off the Rays bats and continue his success against the Rays. Braden is 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA in five starts against the Rays, including 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in three at Tropicana Field. The Athletics need a victory to guarantee a winning month of April for the first time since 2008 and only the second time in the past seven seasons.

Though the Rays James Shields (2-0, 3.96) hasn’t been as consistent as Braden through four starts, he’ll try for a third consecutive win when he takes the ball in this contest. Let’s see if the Ray’s can continue their streak tonight in Tampa!
Present win streak:
The Rays have won 3 straight games.
The Athletics and Rays Stats:
The Athletics: 12-9 SU
The Rays: 15-5 SU
The Athletics lately:
While playing Wednesday’s they are 3-7
Before playing Toronto they were 4-6
After playing the Rays they are 6-4
After a loss they are now 5-5

The Rays lately:
While playing Wednesday’s they are 5-5
Before playing the Athletics they were 6-4
After playing the Athletics they are 4-6
After a win they are now 8-2
Next Game:
The Rays at home vs Kansas City, Thursday, April 29
The Rays are 6-4 at home this season and the Athletics are 3-4 on the road this season. This is a close match-up with both teams having a 45 to 55 percent chance of winning.

The Odds Makers have the lines at present for the Rays -1 ½ (+130) and the Athletics +1 ½(-150) and the Total – Over 8 1/2 (-105) the Under 8 1/2 (-115) and the Rays are -158 and the Athletics are +148 on the Money Line.