Ivan Nova struck out eight in a strong start Tuesday, holding the Rays to two runs on six hits and two walks in the 5-3 win.
It’s his best start of the season, and a nice rebound outing after he was roughed up the last two times out. Nova’s improved strikeout rate to this point is encouraging, as he’s punched out 36 over 37 2/3 innings, though his ERA and WHIP are still high at 5.02 and 1.65, respectively. He faces the Mariners this weekend.