Snell starts opener vs. visiting Nats
(MLB.com Tampa Bay Rays)

It will be a battle of left-handers when the Rays open a two-game series against the Nationals at Tropicana Field tonight at 7:10 ET. Tampa Bay will start Blake Snell (9-4, 2.48 ERA), who got the win on Wednesday at Houston despite issuing a career-high seven walks. Washington starts Gio Gonzalez (6-4, 3.08 ERA), who has lost his two decisions and is seeking his first victory since May 28. Gonzalez is 2-2 with a 5.54 ERA in his career against the Rays.