Yankees vs. Rays prediction: Under is play in rubber game

The Yankees and Rays close out their weekend series on Sunday afternoon.

On the mound for the Yankees will be AL Cy Young favorite Gerrit Cole (5-0, 1.35 ERA).

Tampa Bay will counter with either Josh Fleming (0-0, 3.18 ERA) or an “opener,” with Fleming coming in as a bulk reliever.

Cole has been nothing short of masterful this season. He has given up two runs or fewer in all his starts, and the Yankees are a perfect 7-0 in those outings.

Cole has been mowing down opposing batters during the first month, allowing just four hits per game.

Fleming took a line drive to the foot earlier this week, but has been cleared to pitch.

The lefty may not technically start if the Rays opt to use an opener (a reliever who pitches the first 1-2 innings), but either way Fleming is expected to see the bulk of early action.

Fleming has performed well after allowing five runs in his first start of the year.

Cole’s dominance should continue versus a Rays squad he has had success against over the years.

The right-hander has held current Tampa Bay hitters to a measly .218 average and .269 on-base percentage in 170 career at-bats.

The Yankees have struggled against lefties this season, so whether Fleming starts or is used as a bulk reliever, he should be able to eat up a few innings and keep this a low-scoring affair.

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Six of Cole’s seven starts have gone under the total. Look for that trend to continue.

Play: Yankees-Rays, Under 7.5 runs.