Inter-league play begins.  The Rays have seen Ricky Nolasco on two occasions, and Nolasco has gotten the better of them both times.  He’s 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP against Tampa Bay. 

So far this season, Nolasco is 2-4 with a high 7.78 ERA.  He’s coming back after a short rest, as he pitched Monday in a rained out game, throwing 3 1/3 innings before the game was washed out.  In his last official start on May 13, he was rocked for eight runs in 3 2/3 innings. 

For Rays batters, there’s not much history built up against the Marlins’ right-hander.  Jason Bartlett, Carl Crawford and Dioner Navarro are all 1-3 against him.  BJ Upton is 0-4 with 3 K’s. 

Making the start for the Rays will be Andy Sonnanstine.  We all know of Andy’s struggles so far this season.  His numbers are actually quite similar to Nolasco’s.  He’s 2-4 with a 7.36 ERA. 

This is Andy’s fourth start against the Marlins.  He is 2-0 with a 3.63 ERA against them.  Jeremy Hermida has had the most success against him, going 4-8 with a HR and two doubles.  Hanley Ramirez is 3-9 with a couple of doubles and a triple. 

This is one/another occasion where Sonnanstine gets a chance to help himself with his bat.  While there’s little chance he’ll hit third tonight, he does bring a .385 lifetime batting average (5 for 13) into the game.