Tampa Bay @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 13, 2012 ) Tampa Bay 4, Seattle 1

The Tampa Bay Rays strive to build on their longest winning streak of the season when they face the Seattle Mariners in Tuesday’s second contest of a three-game set. Tampa Bay has won seven straight games and is 4-0 on a 10-game road trip after winning the series opener. The Rays are five games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East. Seattle had won seven straight home games before Monday’s loss.

The Mariners have lost six of eight games. Hot-hitting catcher Jesus Montero is 5-for-6 against Rays starter Matt Moore so he could be in line for another strong outing. Montero went hitless in the opener after going 13-for-26 over the previous seven games. Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria got a night of rest after playing six consecutive games since his return from a hamstring injury. Longoria has yet to play in the field, serving only as the designated hitter. The Rays have strung together a season-best five consecutive double-digit hit outings. Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce has a career-best 12-game hitting streak.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, SUN (Tampa Bay), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Matt Moore (9-7, 3.73 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Kevin Millwood (4-10, 4.38)

Moore has won three consecutive outings and has allowed just one run in 17 2/3 innings during the stretch. He gave up one run and two hits in six innings against the Toronto Blue Jays in his last start. Moore lost to the Mariners on July 22 despite allowing just two runs and five hits. He is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA in two career starts against Seattle.

Millwood has lost two straight starts and six of his last seven decisions. He was torched for seven runs and eight hits in four innings by the Baltimore Orioles in his last outing. Millwood allowed four runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings while losing to the Rays on May 3. He is 3-4 with a 5.10 ERA in nine career starts against Tampa Bay.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay closer Fernando Rodney has converted 22 consecutive save opportunities and leads the majors with 37 saves.

2. Mariners 1B Mike Carp (hip) underwent an MRI exam and will likely be placed on the disabled list, according to manager Eric Wedge.

3. Rays OF B.J. Upton is batting .222 with eight strikeouts in 18 career at-bats against Millwood.