Maddon likes what he sees from red-hot Rays

ST. PETERSBURG -- Entering Friday night's action, the Rays were 23-5 since June 29, which tied the Dodgers for the best 28-game stretch in the Major Leagues this season.

Since 2006, only two other American League teams have had a 28-game stretch that good: the 2011 Tigers and 2010 White Sox.

During that period, the Rays pitched to a 2.49 ERA, lowering their season ERA from 4.22 to 3.76.

The Rays also finished July at 21-5, giving the club its best record for any month.

Rays manager Joe Maddon was asked what his team can do for an encore after going 21-5.

Go "22-4," Maddon said. "How many days in August? Just the one-day-at-a-time stuff, man. I think that was really a strong point of ours during the month. Prior to the [All-Star] break, and post break, really just pleased with the daily way of the group. The way we've gone about our business, the way they've played the games, the way they've interacted, all of that has been fabulous to watch."