Rays at Astros
Chris Carter has struck out more than anyone in the majors, but he has also done plenty of damage with 17 homers and 44 RBIs for the Houston Astros. Carter looks to follow up his second two-homer performance this season when the Astros host the Tampa Bay Rays in the finale of a four-game set on Thursday. Carter had four RBIs Wednesday to tie for the team lead with Matt Dominguez, who is mired in a 0-for-22 slump, as the Astros snapped a five-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory.
Before the Rays head home for 10 straight games, they will try to win their third straight series. James Loney continues to be a catalyst for Tampa Bay’s offense while hitting safely in 14 consecutive games and Desmond Jennings is 5-for-12 in the series. Ben Zobrist, Evan Longoria and Wil Myers have combined for 5-for-33 in the last three contests for the Rays.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), Comcast SportsNet (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (2-3, 4.40 ERA) vs. Astros RH Jordan Lyles (4-3, 3.99)
Archer has allowed 11 runs (10 earned) in his last five starts over 26 2/3 innings, winning two of four decisions. The 24-year-old makes his 11th career start and faces Houston for the first time. Archer has struggled with control at times, walking 18 in 30 2/3 innings, but right-handed batters are hitting only .200 against him and left-handers are at .268.
Lyles had yielded two or fewer runs in seven consecutive starts, striking out 33, before losing his last two outings. The 22-year-old gave up 12 runs (nine earned) in those two losses against the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago Cubs. Lyles, who has never faced Tampa Bay, has struck out 50 and walked 19 over 67 2/3 innings in 2013.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Rays have pitched nine shutouts this season after setting the franchise record with 15 in 2012.
2. Houston closer Jose Veras is 9-for-9 in save opportunities since May 27 and has allowed two runs in his last 13 innings.
3. Tampa Bay is 1-8 all time when it plays away from home on July 4.