This is a 10* on BOSTON

This is a critical series in the AL East. Tampa Bay leads the division right now with a 68-44 record. Boston is four games back with both New York and Toronto hot on their heels. The AL East is the only division to currently have four teams with positive run differentials. At least two teams will make the playoffs. Boston has been in first or second most of the year, but has lost 9 of its last 12 games. Three of those losses were in Tampa. But Tuesday marks a return to Fenway after playing 10 straight on the road. The Red Sox sport a 33-22 home record. Eduardo Rodriguez, who did not allow any runs in his last start and had 10 strikeouts, starts for them tonight. The 10 strikeouts were a season-high for Rodriguez. It came in one of the Red Sox three wins on the road trip. The Rays have won 13 of 18 and four straight. But they also got to play the Orioles over the weekend. Luis Patino has made three previous starts on the road. He has an 8.36 ERA and 1.72 WHIP in those three starts. We look for a reversal of recent fortunes with these two teams tonight. The Red Sox have won 10 of their last 13 series openers. Play on BOSTON

AAA