BALTIMORE (Interstat) — The Tampa Bay Rays, owners of the best record in the major leagues, open a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday evening at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. First pitch is under cloudy skies with temperatures around 62 degrees.

Left-hander Shane McClanahan (5-2, 2.83 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Rays (34-16). He will face Baltimore right-hander Brandon Young (4-1, 3.86 ERA).

Tampa Bay has won eight of its past 10 games and holds a 9 1/2-game lead in the AL East. The Orioles (23-29) are in fourth place in the division.

The Rays swept a three-game series at home against the Orioles last week, winning 5-3, 4-1 and 16-6. Tampa Bay outscored Baltimore 25-10 in that set.

Tampa Bay was shut out 2-0 by the New York Yankees on Sunday, snapping a four-game winning streak. Drew Rasmussen pitched seven scoreless innings in that loss, allowing five hits and striking out six without walking a batter. He has not allowed an earned run in his past two appearances spanning 12 1/3 innings.

Baltimore split a four-game home series against Detroit, winning 7-4 on Friday before losing 4-1 on Saturday. First baseman Pete Alonso drove in four runs in the win, and Jackson Holliday had two hits, including a home run.

Young has won three consecutive starts. In his most recent outing Friday against the Tigers, he pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing five hits and striking out four. Over his past four starts, the 25-year-old right-hander has a 2.60 ERA.

The Rays have won 10 of their past 11 road games. The Orioles are 12-14 at home this season.

Tampa Bay’s bullpen has been dominant, posting a 2.78 ERA, second-lowest in the American League. Baltimore’s relievers have a 4.45 ERA.

The game simulator from Interstat projects an 8-4 victory for the Rays. Tampa Bay is a -1.5-run favorite, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs.

The teams continue the series Tuesday and Wednesday before Tampa Bay returns home to host the Los Angeles Angels. Baltimore stays home for a four-game set against Toronto.