The New York Yankees are on a roll as they prepare to face off against the Tampa Bay Rays in the second game of their series. With an impressive 59-40 record this season, the Yankees have won three of their last four games, showcasing their determination to climb the ranks in the American League East.

Having emerged victorious in the series opener with a commanding 6-1 win on Friday night, the Yankees have shown clear signs of improvement after facing a series of challenges recently. Prior to this series, they managed to secure two out of three wins against the Baltimore Orioles but struggled against the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox, losing both series.

With their pitching staff boasting a solid 3.51 ERA and a .225 opponent batting average, the Yankees have displayed their prowess on the mound. On the offensive front, they have scored an impressive 494 runs, batting .247 with a .330 on-base percentage. Leading the charge is Juan Soto, who has been instrumental, boasting a .303 batting average with 23 home runs and 66 RBI's this season.

In terms of starting pitchers, the Yankees will call upon Nestor Cortes, who holds a 4-8 record with a 3.67 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP this season. Cortes has had a mixed performance of late, allowing at least three earned runs in three out of his last four starts. On the other side, the Tampa Bay Rays will rely on Taj Bradley, who has a promising 4-4 record with a 2.90 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP over 68.1 innings pitched this year.

Looking at the trends, the Yankees have a favorable chance of success. The Rays have lost their last eight Saturday day games, while the Yankees have won five of their last six home games against American League opponents with a losing record. Additionally, the favorites have covered the run line in each of the Rays' last four games, which gives the Yankees an edge.

In terms of player prop facts, Yankees' hitters like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have been in excellent form, showcasing their ability to contribute significantly to the team's success. Meanwhile, the Rays have players like Randy Arozarena and Brandon Lowe who have had strong performances in recent road games.

As the Yankees thrive at home with a 26-19 record, the Rays have struggled on the road with a 21-22 record. With the Yankees finding their groove and the Rays experiencing challenges with their inconsistent offense, it appears the Yankees are the favorites going into this matchup.

The prediction for this game leans towards the New York Yankees, who are expected to continue their winning streak with a solid performance against the Tampa Bay Rays. With the Yankees' strong lineup and the Rays' struggles, it is likely that the Yankees will secure a victory by at least two runs, as suggested by David's Pick of Yankees -1.5.

The stage is set for an exciting battle between two talented teams, and fans can expect an intense showdown as the Yankees aim to extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the American League East.