Name: Michele Roth N.E. Indiana - Zone 5b, and F (Zone 9b) I'm always on my way out the door..
I will always mulch as well, and straw seems to be the best thing for tomatoes...after applying lots of compost.
Straw under plastic netting might work for sub-irrigated, otherwise dry and windy conditions. Netting over a thick layer of loose straw on each side of the row, or at least on the sunniest, hottest side would probably help lessen stress quite a bit.
I will always mulch as well, and straw seems to be the best thing for tomatoes...after applying lots of compost.