Oakland Athletics vs Tampa Bay Rays Live Odds and Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays have three chances to set a franchise record for victories in April.

Taking their first crack at accomplishing that feat, the Rays try for a fourth consecutive victory to sweep a brief two-game home series with the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday.

Off to the best start in its 13-year history, Tampa Bay (15-5) beat Oakland 8-6 on Tuesday to match a club record for wins in April that was set during its surprise run to the World Series in 2008.

Owners of the majors' best record, the Rays have won 12 of 14 and continue to produce at the plate. Pat Burrell hit a three-run homer while Jason Bartlett and John Jaso each had three hits Tuesday.

The Rays, who've hit .311 and scored 50 runs during a stretch where they've won five of six, lead the AL with 121 runs and a .323 batting average with runners in scoring position.

Tampa Bay's James Shields (2-0, 3.96) hasn't been as consistent as Braden through four starts, he'll try for a third consecutive win when he takes the ball in this contest.

Shields allowed two runs in a season-high seven innings of a 10-2 victory at Chicago on Thursday.

The right-hander is 3-1 with a 3.88 ERA in eight career starts against Oakland, but hasn't factored in the decision of his last three versus the A's.