=== Tampa Bay Devil Rays Team Report - September 8 ===

(My Sportsbook) - The much anticipated doubleheader between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Devil Rays will finally take place this afternoon, as the two teams continue their five-game set at Yankee Stadium.

The double-dip was originally slated for Monday, but due to Hurricane Frances the Devil Rays were unable to get to New York by the 3 p.m. start time of the opener. The Yankees had originally put in a forfeit request for Monday's first game, but commissioner Bud Selig immediately indicated that he would not rule in their favor, forcing New York to withdraw the request Tuesday.

Tampa will pin its hopes in Game One on righty Dewon Brazelton, who has lost his last two outings. Brazelton's latest loss came on Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles, as he yielded six runs - five earned - on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings to fall to 6-6 on the year, while raising his ERA to 3.90.

Brazelton, who is 0-4 in six road starts this season, was defeated by the Yankees earlier in the year and is 0-2 in four career starts against them.

Taking the ball for Tampa Bay in the second game will be righthander Rob Bell. The 27-year- old is 1-0 over his last two starts, including a no-decision against Baltimore last Tuesday. Bell gave up seven hits and four runs over five innings, while fanning three and walking two.

Bell, who is 6-7 on the year with a 4.57 ERA, is 1-3 lifetime against the Yankees with a 11.33 ERA.

In the second game of the set on Tuesday, Jon Lieber posted a season-high nine strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings for the win, leading New York to an 11-2 victory.

Tampa Bay starter Jorge Sosa (3-4) took the loss, giving up five runs on nine hits and two walks. He struck out two. Aubrey Huff registered three hits.

The Devil Rays fell for the ninth consecutive time. The slide is their longest losing streak since April 25 - May 10, 2002 when they dropped a club-record 15 in a row.

The Yankees lead the season series against the Devil Rays, 12-4 with a 7-0 mark in the Bronx. New York has also won 52 of the last 72 overall meetings with Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay is 23-42 on the road and is 4-20 in their last 24 games away from Tropicana Field.