Rays ride hot streak into series vs. skidding Red Sox

The Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox are trending in opposite directions as they open a three-game series on Friday night. Tampa Bay visits Boston having won six consecutive games -- good for the longest active streak in the majors -- and 11 of 13, including a four-game sweep of the Los AngelesAngels this week. Meanwhile, the challenge won't be any easier for the Red Sox, who have lost four straight and six of seven after being swept by the Toronto Blue Jays in a three-game set to start the week.