Starting for Tampa Bay in this encounter is Chris Archer. He dominated the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, pitching eight shutout innings in a 12-1 win. That game was his second consecutive start in which he recorded double-digit strikeouts. He will look to continue his excellent form against a Cleveland side that has given him fits his entire career. Archer’s 0-5 with a 5.14 ERA vs. the Tribe.
The good news for Archer is that Tampa Bay’s offense is clicking right now. The Rays exploded for 11 runs in their win against the Red Sox on Sunday. Steven Souza Jr. hit a three-run homer while Jesus Sucre drove in three runs for the Rays who have now won three of their last five games. The Rays’ bats were truly alive in that contest as they matched their season-high with 16 hits.
Pitching for Cleveland in this Monday night clash is Carlos Carrasco. He continued his strong start to the season in his last game against the Blue Jays, going seven scoreless innings and surrendering only three hits. Carrasco is 4-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 27 strikeouts in four road starts this season. He has now lowered his ERA to a sterling 1.86 clip.
Progressive Field hasn’t been kind to Carrasco, though, this season. He’s 0-2 with a 2.49 ERA in three starts at home this campaign. The onus then is on the Cleveland hitters to provide some run support for Carrasco in the series opener. One guy who needs to step up for the Tribe is Yan Gomes. He is 5-of-15 in his last five games with a homer and three RBIs. Gomes is 2-of-5 in his career against Archer with a homer and one RBI.
The Indians are 5-3 in their last eight home games.
