=== New York Yankees Team Report - July 20 ===

(My Sportsbook) - Jose Contreras tries to win his fourth straight decision this afternoon when the New York Yankees conclude a brief two-game series with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field.

Contreras is coming off a dominating performance against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, as he allowed a run on four hits over eight frames. He also struck out seven to improve to 7-3 on the season, while lowering his earned run average to 5.17.

Since his family came over from Cuba, the 32-year-old righthander is 3-0 with a 3.14 ERA. He has allowed one run or less in three of those starts, with the only bump in the road coming against the Mets, who plated seven on him.

Contreras, who defeated the Devil Rays just before the All-Star break, is 2-0 lifetime against them with a 1.66 ERA in four games, three starts.

In the series-opener on Monday, pinch-hitter Robert Fick's two-run double capped a three-run sixth inning which lifted Tampa Bay to a 9-7 victory.

Tanyon Sturtze (3-2), who took over for ineffective starter Alex Graman with one out in the bottom of the first, allowed two runs on four hits over 4 2/3 innings. Graman was rocked for five runs and five hits in his second major league start.

Ruben Sierra slammed a pinch-hit, two-run homer and Jorge Posada knocked in two with a double for New York, which has lost two straight after winning six of its previous seven contests.

On the milestone watch, outfielder Bernie Williams needs four doubles to tie Joe DiMaggio (389) for fourth place on the club's all-time list. He is also seven RBI shy of matching Don Mattingly (1,099) for eighth place on the Yanks all-time list. Williams, though, is mired in a 2-for-37 slump.

New York has won nine of its 13 matchups with the Devil Rays this season. The Yankees have also had success in Tampa, where they have won 17 of the last 25 meetings.

The Yankees have posted a 24-22 road mark.