TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The Tampa Bay Rays look to shake off a series-opening loss Tuesday night against the New York Yankees at George Steinbrenner Field, with first pitch set for 7:10 p.m. under cloudy skies and 87-degree heat.

The Rays (52-35) hold a 3.5-game lead over the Yankees (49-40) in the AL East standings, but dropped Monday’s opener 5-1. Tampa Bay had won three of its previous four games before that defeat, while the Yankees have lost five of their last six after being swept in a three-game series by Minnesota.

Right-hander Mason Englert (4-3, 3.12 ERA) is scheduled to start for Tampa Bay. In his most recent outing July 5 at Houston, Englert worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out nine in a 2-0 loss. He also threw four shutout innings June 12 against the Los Angeles Angels, yielding four hits with three strikeouts.

The Yankees have not announced a starter, but right-handed reliever Jake Bird has been a consistent bullpen presence. Over his last 10 appearances, Bird has posted a 1.59 ERA across 10 1/3 innings, striking out seven while allowing eight hits. He worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings Sunday against the Twins, striking out one, and has not allowed an earned run in his last five outings.

The teams have split their six meetings this season, with the Yankees taking two of three in Tampa in April and the Rays winning two of three in New York in May. Monday’s win gave the Yankees the early edge in this four-game set.

Tampa Bay’s offense has been inconsistent of late, scoring two runs or fewer in three of its last four games. The Rays are 29-16 at home this season. The Yankees are 22-23 on the road.

Following Tuesday’s game, the teams continue the series Wednesday and Thursday before the Yankees travel to Washington and the Rays host Seattle.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-1 Tampa Bay victory.