TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Boston Red Sox look to maintain their recent dominance over the Tampa Bay Rays and solidify their position in the playoff hunt as the American League East rivals open a three-game series Friday night at George Steinbrenner Field.

The Red Sox (83-70) arrive after dropping two of three at home to the Athletics, including a 5-3 loss on Thursday. Despite the setback, shortstop Trevor Story provided a bright spot, going 2 for 4 with a home run. Boston’s bullpen was sharp in defeat, with Payton Tolle and Greg Weissert combining for five scoreless innings of relief.

Boston has won nine of its last 10 meetings with the Rays, including a four-game sweep at Fenway Park in July. The Red Sox took all three games in their last trip to Tampa in April, though they were on the wrong end of a 16-1 rout in the series opener.

The Rays (75-78), mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, are playing for pride and aim to play spoiler. They are coming off a series win against the Toronto Blue Jays, capped by a 4-0 victory on Thursday. Starter Shane Baz was excellent, tossing five scoreless innings with four strikeouts, while center fielder Chandler Simpson drove in two runs and shortstop Carson Williams homered.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Red Sox are projected to win 5-3. The analytics firm gives Boston a 51% probability of victory. Boston has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5, and the over/under is set at 7.5 runs.

Following this series, the Red Sox continue their road trip with three games in Toronto. The Rays will hit the road for series against Baltimore and Toronto to close out their season.