Tampa Bay's upstart pitching staff looks to conquer Coors

The Tampa Bay Rays possess a couple of somewhat surprising statistics entering their series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colo.

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The offense, which has been average or better over the years but had to overcome significant losses following the 2012 season, is holding steady thus far in 2013, posting a team OPS+ of 100 thanks to help from a resurgent James Loney (168 OPS+), who will no doubt continue his hot streak this weekend (he's a lifetime .326/.374/.558 hitter in Denver). Evan Longoria is also in midseason form, while Ben Zobrist continues to do what he does best and Matt Joyce has helped negate B.J. Upton's departure with a SLG-heavy 107 OPS+. Not too bad for a team that almost gets no-hit on a nightly basis, it seems.

While the offense is holding its ground, Tampa Bay's pitching staff has scuffled to a team ERA+ of 92. Ace David Price is the ringleader for the regression; he possesses very good strikeout and walk numbers, but has allowed more hits than innings pitched -- and has allowed six home runs -- on his way to a 5.21 ERA/73 ERA+. Jeremy Hellickson and Roberto Hernandez (but not this Roberto Hernandez) have endured similar struggles despite having decent peripherals as well.

Matt Moore

#55 / Pitcher / Tampa Bay Rays

Height: 6-3

Weight: 210

Bats: L

Throws: L

Born: Jun 18, 1989

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	W-L	ERA	WHIP	K	BB
2013 - Matt Moore	5-0	1.13	0.88	38	15

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One guy who has not experienced many valleys to this point in the season is Matt Moore. Moore has struck out more than 10 batters per nine innings and is off to a 5-0 start with a miniscule ERA. That, paired with the solid performance of Alex Cobb thus far, should bode well for the Rays as everything else inevitably returns to the norm for the team.

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Probable pitchers

Game 1: Friday, May 3 at 6:40 p.m. MT (ROOT Sports)

Matt Moore (5-0, 1.13 ERA) vs. Jeff Francis (1-2, 7.29 ERA)

Game 2: Saturday, May 4 at 6:10 p.m. MT (ROOT Sports)

David Price (1-2, 5.21) vs. Jon Garland (2-2, 4.65)

Game 3: Sunday, May 5 at 2:10 p.m. MT (ROOT Sports)

Alex Cobb (3-2, 2.55) vs. Jhoulys Chacin (3-0, 1.46)

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