TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — First-place Tampa Bay hosts the struggling Miami Marlins on Friday night at George Steinbrenner Field, opening a three-game series between in-state rivals with contrasting fortunes.

The Rays enter play at 28-14, the best record in the American League, having taken two of three from Toronto. The Marlins are 20-24 after a 9-1 loss at Minnesota on Thursday.

Miami will start right-hander Janson Junk (2-3) or right-hander Jesse Scholtens (3-2). The team has not announced which will take the mound. Tampa Bay has not named a starter, but right-hander Griffin Jax has been a key arm out of the bullpen.

Jax (0-1) has posted a 1.93 ERA over his past four appearances, including five scoreless innings against the Blue Jays on Tuesday. He has allowed only seven hits over 13 innings in that span, striking out eight.

Miami will look to reliever Anthony Bender, who has been dominant. Over his past nine outings, Bender has not allowed an earned run in 9 2/3 innings, striking out seven. He threw two perfect innings in Thursday’s loss.

First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. under clear skies with a temperature of 79 degrees.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 7-3 Rays victory. The ELO system gives Tampa Bay a 59.70 percent probability of winning. Miami is installed as a -1.5 favorite on the spread, with an over/under of 8.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday. Miami then returns home for four games against Atlanta, while Tampa Bay hosts Baltimore for three before heading to New York for a weekend series against the Yankees.