Today marks the final game of a marvelous homestand. The Yankees have taken eight of nine games, and look to take the final one against the Phillies. They’ll send out their best to take care of it, as CC Sabathia will take the mound. He has started two career games against the Phillies, none of which came last season while in the NL with the Brewers. Well, except in the NLDS, and that wasn’t a pretty start. Otherwise he’s allowed seven runs over 12.2 innings, something he’ll look to improve on today.
The Phillies will counter with their best, sending out young lefty Cole Hamels. He is a Verducci Rule candidate this year, after tossing 227.1 innings last year before pitching through the playoffs. He’s been off to a slow start this year, pitching to a 4.95 ERA over seven starts, though that’s mainly a product of his first two appearances. Since then he’s been just fine, as he hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any start since April 23. The Yankees offense, however, is better than any he’s faced so far this year.
Nick Swisher gets a much-needed day off today. He showed some signs of life late in the week, but has looked pretty terrible over the past couple of games. He still has only four hits since May 12. Hopefully getting the day off and then hitting the road will get him back on track.
Lineup:
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Johnny Damon, LF
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Robinson Cano, 2B
6. Melky Cabrera, RF
7. Hideki Matsui, DH
8. Francisco Cervelli, C
9. Brett Gardner, CF
And on the mound, number fifty-two, CC Sabathia.