Preview: Rays at Yankees NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Tampa Bay Rays visit the New York Yankees on Saturday in a key American League East matchup at Yankee Stadium II. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EDT. Tampa Bay (33-15) holds the best record in the American League and has won five straight games against the Yankees, including a 4-1 victory Friday night. The Rays have won nine of their last 11 contests overall. New York (30-21) will look to avoid falling further behind in the division standings. The Yankees have lost four of their last five games, including a 2-0 defeat Thursday against Toronto. Pitching matchup Right-hander Drew Rasmussen (4-1, 3.12 ERA) takes the mound for Tampa Bay. He is coming off a strong performance in his last start. The Yankees will counter with left-hander Carlos Rodón, who is seeking a reversal of fortune after three consecutive losses. Rodón has struggled recently, allowing seven earned runs over 13 innings in his last three outings while striking out 17. Players to watch Tampa Bay’s Steven Matz has been effective in relief, earning wins in his last three appearances. On May 20 against Baltimore, he threw four innings of three-hit ball, striking out five. New York’s Carlos Rodón is a key figure despite his recent slide. He struck out seven over five innings in a loss to Toronto on May 21, allowing one earned run. Recent history The Rays have dominated the season series, winning all four meetings this year. Tampa Bay swept a three-game set in New York from April 10-12, winning 5-3, 5-4 and 5-4. Weather The forecast calls for cloudy skies with temperatures near 65 degrees. Simulator projection Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 Tampa Bay victory. Upcoming schedule The teams conclude the series Sunday before the Rays travel to Baltimore for a three-game set starting Monday. The Yankees head to Kansas City for a three-game series beginning the same day.