This is a 10* ASSASSIN on the Tampa Bay Rays.

We think this sets up as a natural letdown spot for the Twins and look for the Rays to extend their four-game home win skein behind what we believe to be the clearly superior starter. Tampa will be extra motivated here as well as the Twins sit one game ahead of the Rays in the crowded wild-card race. The visitors turn to Ervin Santana (2-4, 5.53 ERA) who was shelled for four runs over 7 2/3's innings in a 4-3 loss to the Yankees on Wednesday. Santana is now 0-4 with a deplorable 8.46 ERA over his last five starts. Also note that Santana is just 6-6 with a poor 4.98 ERA in 14 starts vs. the Rays. The home side counters with impressive rookie Nathan Karns (7-5, 3.44 ERA) who has given up two runs or fewer in an AL-leading 18 outings, going 3-0 with a highly respectable 2.81 ERA in six starts since the All-Star break. For the most part MLB handicapping comes down to the starting pitching and in our professional opinion Karns and the RAYS have a significant advantage today and that makes this a price that we have no issues at all in laying.

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