A pair of lefties square off when the Yankees meet the home-town Rays in the series opener. The Yankees are a good road team and a small favorite today. NY has a definite edge on offense, particularly in power. The Yankees have a league-leading 62 home runs compared to the Rays’ 46.

Cortez (1.80 ERA) starts for NY today. With 7 starts and 51 strikeouts, he has been one of the league’s toughest left-handers. He gave up 3 runs in is last start, but has otherwise been superlative.

Yarbrough (4.20 ERA) has just four appearances of short duration this season. He has been hit hard, to the tune of .295 this season, but has given up just 2 runs in his last 3 appearances.

The Rays are very good at managing pitching and have their usually solid bullpen to back up Yarbrough. One concern for the Yankees is that their usually excellent bullpen has struggled lately.

Yarbrough’s hits-allowed stats are concerning, especially when facing the Yankees. The Rays have an inate ability to win when I wager on them, but I am on the side of the favorite today. I expect another fine and long outing from Cortez, while the NY offense gives him all the run support he needs. Take the Yankees to win.