Yankees Get Shutdown By Roenis Elias and Mariners

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

May 1st, 2014

Seattle Mariners vs. New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Mariners 4 Yankees 2

For the second straight day the New York Yankees were unable to defeat the Seattle Mariners and Robinson Cano on Thursday night. The loss moves the Yankees to (15-12) on the season, and now the Baltimore Orioles are closing in on first place in the AL East, as they are just .5 games behind.

Making only his sixth start in the majors, Mariners Starter Roenis Elias looked fantastic against the Yankees in his second win of the season. Elias pitched seven strong innings allowing just two runs, only one of which was earned, while striking out 10 batters on 110 pitches. Due to the rain delay on Tuesday, the Mariners could have gone with Felix Hernandez, but instead stuck to the rotation, and it paid off.

Yankees Starter Hiroki Kuroda wasn’t all that good again after a horrendous start against the Angels, as he picked up his third loss of the season. In six innings of work Kuroda allowed four runs, three of which were earned on seven hits, and one walk. After the fourth inning Kuroda would settle down a bit, but the damage was already done.

Robinson Cano was once again booed by Yankees fans, and after a 1 for 5 return to face his old team on Wednesday he followed it up with a 1 for 4 two RBI game on Thursday.

After three games off with a sore hand, Jacoby Ellsbury made his return to the Yankees, and made an impact early. Ellsbury was one of the few Yankees to find success against Elias, as he hit a solo-homerun to lead off the game, which was his first homerun as a Yankee.

The bullpen was strong for the Yankees after the tough start from Kuroda, as Matt Thornton, Adam Warren, and Shawn Kelley combined to pitch a scoreless final three innings, where the Mariners only got one hit off of them.

A strong performance from the Yankees bullpen was matched by the Mariners bullpen, as with the lead they went to Yoervis Medina, who pitched the eighth inning, and then was followed by Fernando Rodney in the ninth inning, as he earned his sixth save of the season.

Next up for the Yankees will be a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, as Friday Starters will be Vidal Nuno (0-0, 6.59) going against David Price (3-2, 4.75).

Yankees Lose in Robinson Cano's Return

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

April 29th, 2014

Seattle Mariners vs. New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Mariners 6 Yankees 3

In Robinson Cano’s return to Yankees Stadium, the New York Yankees were unable to defeat their former star and his new team the Seattle Mariners, as they lost 6-3. The loss moves the Yankees to (15-11) on the season, which is two games in front of the field in the AL East.

Yankees Starter C.C. Sabathia had a rough outing on Tuesday, as after receiving a two-run lead to work with, and Sabathia let it all up. Sabathia, in his third loss of the season gave up four runs on nine hits in five innings. The fifth inning was where all the damage was given up by Sabathia, as the Mariners ripped off a four-run inning.

For the most part the Yankees did a good job holding their former player Cano in check, as he went 1 for 5 with an RBI, run scored, and struck out twice. Cano was greeted by a lot of boo’s and a chant of “You Sold Out” by Yankees fans.

Seattle got a good start from veteran Chris Young, who earned his first victory of the season. Young gave up two-runs, only one of which was earned on three hits and three walks in 5.2 innings.

Dellin Betances and Preston Claiborne had a tough time in the seventh inning in a manageable two-run game, but Betances let up two hits and then Claiborne allowed two more hits to charge the final run to Betances before he could get the final out of the inning.

For the most part the Yankees offense was pretty quiet, but Mark Teixeira did hit his third homerun of the season in the second inning off of Young.

The heart of the Yankees order had a very disappointing day at the plate, as Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann, and Alfonso Soriano went a combined 0 for 12 with five strikeouts. Hitting with runners in scoring position wasn’t much better, as the team went 1 for 10.

Yankees Sign Jacoby Ellsbury to Monster Deal

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler 

December 4th, 2013

The New York Yankees have made their second big splash of an off-season that originally was thought to be one of trying to cut payroll, but has been the complete opposite so far. On Tuesday night they signed now former Red Sox Center Fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. After handing a five-year 85 million dollar contract to Catcher Brian McCann, the Yankees have now added a seven-year 153 million dollar contract for Ellsbury to their payroll.

This contract for the Yankees is going to be taking a lot of heat, and deservingly so. Although Jacoby Ellsbury is a very good player he does have trouble staying on the field. Another scary part of the contract for the Yankees is the seven years for a 30 year old player that relies most of his game on his legs, as he is coming off a 52 stolen base season. In his 2012 contract season, Ellsbury batted .298 with 172 hits, 92 runs scored, 31 doubles, eight triples, nine homeruns, 53 RBIs, and the aforementioned 52 stolen bases in 134 games. Power wise Ellsbury had one monster year in 2011, hitting 32 homeruns that season, but excluding that year he only has 33 career homeruns. It will be something to watch in 2014 if Ellsbury can find the short porch a few times.

Yankees Lose to Rays, Ending Postseason Chances

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 25^th, 2013

Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Rays 8 Yankees 3

The New York Yankees lost yet again to the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night, and with the loss the Yankees are now (82-76) on the season, and have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs this season.

Yankees Starter Phil Hughes got the start in this one, and in all likelihood pitched his last game as a Yankee, and earned his 14^th loss of the season. In the first inning Hughes gave up a RBI double to James Loney, which scored Wil Myers. In the third inning Hughes would fall apart and get pulled after a RBI single by David DeJesus, the Rays would load the bases leading to the hook from Joe Girardi. Hughes final start as a Yankee wasn’t good at all, as he went just two innings allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk. Hughes will be entering free agency after a horrible season going (4-14) with a 5.19 ERA for the season.

Yankees Rally in 8th to Defeat Blue Jays

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 18^th, 2013

New York Yankees vs Toronto Blue Jays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 4 Blue Jays 3

The New York Yankees were able to snap their four-game losing streak on Wednesday in Toronto with a victory over the Blue Jays. The win moves the Yankees to (80-72), which keeps their Wild Card hopes alive, as they are now 2.5 games behind the Texas Rangers for the final Wild Card spot.

Phil Hughes got the start for the Yankees in this crucial game, and like last time Joe Girardi did a Hughes/David Huff combo to get through this game. Hughes went three scoreless innings before giving up a 451ft two-run home run to Colby Rasmus. Hughes went 3.1 innings allowing two runs on four hits, and was pulled for Huff in the fourth inning.

The first batter Huff would face was Ryan Goins, and he promptly hit his first home run of the season. Huff would settle down after that however, as he finished going 3.2 innings allowing just the home run to Goins, and he earned his third win of the season.

Yankees Lose Series in Boston

stamfordadvocate.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 14^th, 2013

New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 1 Red Sox 5

The New York Yankees suffered their second straight loss to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon. The loss moves the Yankees to (79-70) on the season, and they now sit 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the final Wild Card spot, as the series in Boston is hurting the Yankees badly.

Once again for the Yankees on Saturday was another poor start from C.C. Sabathia which has become something all to common for them this year, as Sabathia got his 13^th loss of the season, a career-high for Sabathia. After breezing thru the first inning, Sabathia would struggle after that, as in the second inning the Red Sox got on the board with a RBI ground out from Will Middlebrooks. In the third inning the Red Sox would get two more runs across started with a RBI double from David Ortiz, and then later in the inning a RBI base-hit from Johnny Gomes. In the fourth inning it was a two-out single that hurt Sabathia, as Shane Victorino knocked in David Ross. The fifth inning would end up being the last time the Red Sox would score in the game, as Daniel Nava hit a sac-fly to score Mike Napoli making it a 5-1 game. Sabathia would finish going six innings allowing five runs on nine hits and four walks.

Yankees Avoid Sweep on Sunday Afternoon

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 8^th, 2013

Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Red Sox 3 Yankees 4

The New York Yankees were able to avoid the sweep at home against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday afternoon, which would’ve been a heart-breaking weekend for the Bronx Bombers. The win moves the Yankees to (76-67), which is 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the final Wild Card spot.

Hiroki Kuroda looked like he was back to his form of about a month ago on Sunday, as he gave the Yankees a very good start in a game they desperately needed. The Red Sox would get a couple runs off of Kuroda however though, as in the second inning Mike Carp hit a double to score David Ortiz for the first run of the game. In the sixth inning the Red Sox would get their final run off of Kuroda, as Jarrod Saltalamacchia would hit a sac-fly to score Ortiz. Kuroda would go six innings allowing just two runs on five hits and two walks, while striking out six batters, and leaving the game in line for a win.

Yankees Yet Again Can't Beat Red Sox

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 7^th, 2013

Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Red Sox 13 Yankees 9

The New York Yankees suffered yet another loss to the Boston Red Sox at home on Saturday afternoon. The loss moves the Yankees to (75-67), which is three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the final Wild Card spot.

David Huff was brought in to the rotation to take the spot of the struggling Phil Hughes, but on Saturday afternoon it was Huff who got shelled, as he picked up his first loss as a Yankee. Mike Napoli who was the hero of Friday nights game wasted little time putting his mark on Saturday's game, as he hit a two-run home run in the second inning to get the Red Sox the early lead. In the third inning the long ball would hurt Huff again, as this time it was a three-run home run by Johnny Gomes. The fourth inning would be the last for Huff, as the Red Sox really broke it open starting with a Ryan Lavarnway double. A RBI ground out by Xander Bogaerts, which was followed by a double by Shane Victorino would make it a 8-2 game, and it would kick Huff from the ball game. Huff would go just 3.1 innings allowing nine runs on eight hits, as Jim Miller would give up a base-hit to Johnny Gomes, which scored Victorino, finishing off Huff's line.

Yankees Unable to Complete Come From Behind Victory

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 5^th, 2013

Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Red Sox 9 Yankees 8

The New York Yankees were unable to start their series off against the Boston Red Sox on a good note, as they lost in extra-innings. The loss moves the Yankees to (75-65), but with the Tampa Bay Rays losing as well, the Yankees stayed 2.5 games behind them in the Wild Card standings.

Ivan Nova, who was coming off a complete game shutout,but wasn’t very sharp in this game. In the third inning the Red Sox would piece together a few hits, as Jacoby Ellsbury hit a double that scored Ryan Lavarnway, and then Shane Victorino had a RBI ground out that scored Will Middlebrooks. Middlebrooks in the fourth inning would hit a solo-home run off Nova, which was his 13^th home run of the season. Nova went just four innings allowing three runs on five hits, and two walks on 96 pitches.

Yankees Complete Sweep of White Sox

nytimes.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 4^th, 2013

Chicago White Sox vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: White Sox 5 Yankees 6

The New York Yankees were able to complete the sweep at home of the Chicago White Sox, despite almost blowing their lead in the late innings. The win moves the Yankees to (75-64), which is 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the second Wild Card spot in the American League.

C.C Sabathia was able to put together a pretty good start together on Wednesday night, as he picked up his 13^th win of the season. The first inning was to good for Sabathia, but he kept the damage at a minimum, as only one run scored on Avisail Garcia double that scored Gordon Beckham. Sabathia went into the eighth inning, but after two singles allowed he was pulled for David Robertson, who allowed both of Sabathia's runners to score, which hurt his final line. Sabathia finished going 7.1 innings allowing three runs on five hits and four walks.

Yankees Rally in 8th Inning to Beat White Sox

nydailynews.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

September 3rd, 2013

Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: White Sox 4 Yankees 6

The New York Yankees were able to get a big come from behind win against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, in a game and series that the Yankees desperately need to win against a poor White Sox team. The win moves the Yankees to (74-64), which is 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the second Wild Card spot.

Once again for the Yankees their Starter Hiroki Kuroda didn’t look to good, but with a late rally from the offense, Kuroda got a no decision. The White Sox wasted little time getting to Kuroda, as Adam Dunn had a RBI single to score Gordon Beckham. In the fifth inning the Sox would get to Kuroda for two runs on an Alexi Ramirez RBI triple, which gave them a 3-1 lead at the time. In the seventh inning Alejandro De Aza would take Kuroda deep for his 15th home run of the season, which was a solo-shot, and chased Kuroda from the game. Kuroda finished going 6.1 innings allowing four runs on seven hits, and two walks, while striking out seven batters.

Ivan Nova Pitches a Gem Against Orioles

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 31^st, 2013

Baltimore Orioles vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Orioles 0 Yankees 2

The New York Yankees were able to pick up their second straight win and win the series against the Orioles at home behind a great start from Ivan Nova. The win moves the Yankees to (72-63), which is four games behind the two Wild Card spots in the American League.

For the Yankees in this win it was all about Ivan Nova, who was sensational on Saturday afternoon, while earning his eighth win of the season. Nova threw a complete game shutout, as he only allowed three hits and one walk, while striking out five. The scariest moment of the game for Nova came in the ninth inning with a runner on, as Chris Davis hit a fly ball to the warning track in Right Field, but luckily the hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium held it in.

Yankees Take Opener Against Orioles

washingtonpost.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 30th, 2013

Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees Post Game Recap

Final Score: Orioles 5 Yankees 8

The New York Yankees were able to start their series at home against the Baltimore Orioles on a positive not with a victory on Friday night after two straight losing series against division opponents. The win moves the Yankees to (71-63) on the seasons, which are four games behind the second Wild Card spot.

C.C. Sabathia was looking good for the first three innings of this game, but after that it was a tough go of it for Sabathia, who once again got hit hard after the third inning. Sabathia was still able to get his 12th win thanks to a lot of offense, and some great pitching from the Yankees bullpen. In the fourth inning Chris Davis broke up the scoreless game with a single that scored Manny Machado. In the fifth inning after being given a lead by the offense, Sabathia gave it right back to the Orioles, as Danny Valencia hit a two-run homerun, and then later in that inning Machado singled home Alexi Casilla to cap off the three-run inning. In the sixth inning the Orioles would get their final run off Sabathia on a Nick Markakis single that scored Adam Jones, and led to Sabathia getting pulled. Sabathia went just 5.2 innings allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk.

Milestone Day for Soriano Gets Yankees a Victory

nbcnewyork.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 27th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 7 Blue Jays 1

The New York Yankees were able to bounce back from losing the first game of the series against the Toronto Blue Jays with a nice win on Tuesday night. The win moves the Yankees to (70-62) on the season, which has them 7.5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East, and 4.5 games behind the two Wild Card spots.

On offense the Yankees looked very good on Tuesday night getting to Blue Jays Starter J.A. Happ, and handed him his fourth loss of the season. They wasted little time getting to Happ, as in the first inning Derek Jeter singled home Brett Gardner, who led-off the game with a double. A few batters later Alfonso Soriano hit career home run number 399, which was a three-run shot. In the third inning Soriano would get the best of Happ once more by hitting a solo-home run for his 400th home run of his career. Happ finished going just 4.2 innings allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks.

Yankees Avoid Being Swept in Tampa Bay

stamfordadvocate.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 25th, 2013

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 3 Rays 2

The New York Yankees were able to avoid the sweep on Sunday, by beating the Tampa Bay Rays in extra-innings. The win moves the Yankees to (69-61) on the season, which is seven games behind the AL East leading Red Sox, and 3.5 games behind the two Wild Card spots.

Ivan Nova wasn’t at his best, but was able to battle and get a few big double plays to avoid any real damage, and turn in a good start for the Yankees. Evan Longoria had Nova’s number in this game, as he was responsible for both Rays runs. In the first inning Longoria had a RBI single that scored David DeJesus, and then in the sixth inning Longoria hit a solo-home run, which was his 28th of the season, and it was his third home run of the weekend series. Nova finished going 6.2 innings allowing just two runs on six hits and six walks in the no decision.

Kuroda Gets Rocked in Tampa Bay

sports.yahoo.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 23^rd, 2013

New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 2 Rays 7

The New York Yankees couldn’t keep their momentum from sweeping the Toronto Blue Jays into Tampa Bay against the Rays on Friday, as they were defeated in the opening game of the series. The loss moves the Yankees to 6.5 games behind in the AL East, and four games behind for the two Wild Card spots.

Rays Starter Chris Archer gave his team a great start against a red hot Yankees team, as the strong start earned Archer his seventh win of the season. The Yankees offense did get the lead in the first inning off of Archer however, as Alfonso Soriano was able to single home Brett Gardner. The final run the Yankees would score in this game also came off of Archer in the sixth inning, as Robinson Cano grounded out, which allowed Gardner to score once again. Archer finished going seven innings allowing just two runs on four hits, and two walks, as Archer seems to certainly have the Yankees number this season with three very good starts.

Yankees Complete Double-Header Sweep Against Blue Jays

nypost.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 20^th, 2013

Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap Game 2

Final Score: Blue Jays 2 Yankees 3

The New York Yankees were able to complete the double-header sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays with a walk-off win on Tuesday night. The win moves the Yankees to (66-59), which is 6.5 games behind the Rays and Red Sox in the AL East, and now just 5.5 games behind the second Wild Card spot.

A very rare occurrence happen for Phil Hughes on Tuesday night, and that was him pitching well in Yankees stadium, but despite the good start Hughes only got a no decision for his efforts. In the first inning the Blue Jays go one of their two runs off of Hughes on a wild pitch that allowed Rajai Davis to score, and then in the fifth inning Davis hit a sac-fly to score Munenori Kawasaki. Hughes ended up going six innings allowing just the two runs on seven hits, two walk, while striking out six batters, and he also didn’t allow a home run in a home start, which is a rare thing. Any improvement from Hughes will help the Yankees, as they continue their push towards a playoff spot.

Blue Jays Starter Mark Buehrle also gave his team a very good start, but like Hughes only earned a no decision for his efforts. The Yankees only got two runs off Buehrle, as in the third inning Robinson Cano singled home Austin Romine. Cano had quite the day at the plate going six for eight, which certainly helps the batting average. Jayson Nix would get the best of Buehrle in the seventh inning, as Nix hit his third home run of the season to tie the game up at two runs a piece at the time. Buehrle finished up going 6.2 innings allowing just the two runs on six hits, and one walk.

This game came down to a battle of the bullpens after both teams Starters gave them a good performance, and for the Yankees their 26^th man for the double-header Preston Claiborne gave them two solid innings allowing just one hit. Mariano Rivera had to work double duty on Tuesday pitching in both games, and in the second game he allowed two hits, but no runs, and earned his fourth win of the season.

In the ninth inning the Yankees got to Darren Oliver, as after a lead-off walk by Mark Reynolds, he was pinch-ran for by Ichiro Suzuki. A sac-bunt and then a steal of Third Base set up Jayson Nix to be the hero and that’s exactly what he was, as he singled home Ichiro for the walk-off win.

Next up the Yankees will look to take the four-game series against the Blue Jays, as Adam Warren(1-2, 3.57) will be making the start for the Yankees against R.A. Dickey (9-11, 4.49).

Yankees Score 8 Unanswered in Game 1 Victory

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 20^th, 2013

Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees Post Game Recap Game 1

Final Score: Blue Jays 4 Yankees 8

The New York Yankees were able to start their four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on a positive note, as they scored eight unanswered runs to take Game 1 of the double-header. The win moves the Yankees to (65-59), which is 7.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East, and six behind the two Wild Card spots.

Blue Jays Starter Esmil Rodgers once again didn’t look to good, but his bullpen also let him down a bit, as his struggles continued on Tuesday afternoon against a better Yankees lineup. Rodgers picked up his eighth loss of the season, as he went five innings allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks. The big blow off Rodgers came in the third inning, when Robinson Cano hit his 200^th career home run, which was a three-run home run. The final run that was charged to Rodgers was allowed by Neil Wagner, who struggled out of the bullpen, by allowing a walk to Jayson Nix, who was followed by Chris Stewart, and Stewart made Wagner pay by hitting a three-run home run for his fourth of the year.

Yankees Take Series Opener in Fenway

Usatoday.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 16^th, 2013

New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox Post Game Recap

Final Score: Yankees 10 Red Sox 3

The New York Yankees were able to start their big series in Boston against the Red Sox on a very positive note with the blowout victory in Game 1 of the series. The win moves the Yankees to (63-58), which is now 7.5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East, and six games behind the two Wild Card spots.

Red Sox Starter Felix Doubront got roughed up by the Yankees offense early in this game, as he was handed his sixth loss of the season. In the first inning Alfonso Soriano had an RBI infield single that scored Brett Gardner. Newly acquired Mark Reynolds made his presence felt in the second inning, as he too Doubront over the Green Monster for his first home run as a Yankees, that scored Vernon Wells. In the third inning Soriano would strike again hitting a three-run home run, which tied him for the MLB record of 18 RBIs in a four-game span, and gave the Yankees a 6-0 lead. The final run off Doubront would come from a Robinson Cano base-hit that scored Eduardo Nunez. Doubront would pitch just four innings allowing seven runs, six of which were earned on eight hits and two walks.

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox

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By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

August 16-18^th

W2W4: New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox

The New York Yankees will be heading into Boston to face their arch rivals the Red Sox in what is an important series for both teams, as the Yankees look to gain ground in the Wild Card and AL East, and the Red Sox will look to improve on their two game lead on the Tampa Bay Rays for first place. The Yankees are now (62-58), which is 8.5 games behind the Red Sox in the division, and six games behind the two Wild Card spots.

- Pitching Match-Ups

On Friday night to kick off the series the Yankees will be sending Andy Pettitte (7-9, 4.62) to the mound, who will be making his 40^th career start against the Red Sox, and he will be looking for his 20^th win against Boston, as he faces Felix Doubront (8-5, 3.66). In Game 2 the Yankees will have their ace Hiroki Kuroda (11-7, 2.33) on the mound facing John Lackey (7-10, 3.32), who is having a nice bounce back season. Game 3 will be on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN, as C.C Sabathia (10-10, 4.66) will be facing Ryan Dempster (6-8, 4.50).