TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Tampa Bay Rays host the Washington Nationals on Sunday afternoon at George Steinbrenner Field, looking to claim a series win after splitting the first two games of their three-game set.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. under partly cloudy skies and a game-time temperature of 92 degrees. The Rays (42-31) enter as -1.5 favorites on the run line, with an over/under of 8, according to BetMGM. The Interstat game simulator projects a 6-5 victory for the Nationals (40-37).

Pitching matchup

Right-hander Nick Martinez (6-2, 3.34 ERA) gets the start for Washington. Martinez has been the Nationals’ most reliable starter this season, allowing two earned runs or fewer in five of his last six outings. Tampa Bay had not announced its starting pitcher as of Saturday.

Players to watch

Washington reliever Brad Lord has been virtually untouchable over his last seven appearances, posting a 0.00 ERA across 16 innings while striking out 16 batters. He threw three scoreless frames in Washington’s 4-3 win Saturday, striking out five. Lord has not allowed an earned run since June 3.

Tampa Bay reliever Cole Sulser has been inconsistent. He threw two scoreless innings with four strikeouts Saturday, but in his previous two outings was tagged for six earned runs over two innings. His ERA sits at 5.87.

Recent results

Washington evened the series with Saturday’s 4-3 win. Right fielder Dylan Crews went 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. The Nationals have won four of their last six. Tampa Bay had won five of seven before Saturday’s loss.

Up next

The Nationals begin a four-game home series against Philadelphia on Monday. The Rays host Kansas City for a four-game set starting Monday.