Following another road series win, the New York Yankees return to the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium for a three-game series with the Orioles.
The New York Yankees will begin a seven-game homestand
on Thursday night, starting with a four-game set against the Baltimore Orioles, whose chance of making the postseason is on life support.
Taking the mound for New York in the series-opener will be Masahiro Tanaka, who looks to build on his recent success. Over his last 13 starts, the 28-year-old is 6-4 with a 3.40 ERA. The only blemish was his last start.
Against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Tanaka lasted just four innings after surrendered seven runs on eight hits. It was his fourth start of 2017 with at least seven earned runs. For some context on how shocking that is, he had not allowed more than six runs in any start over his first three Major League seasons.
For Baltimore, Wade Miley will look to cool the Yankees’ offense that has scored at least 12 runs in four of their six home games against the Orioles this season.
Miley is on a downward trend after going 5-1 from July 30 to Aug. 27, as the left-hander surrendered six runs and 10 hits over 11.2 innings in losses to the Blue Jays and the Indians in his last two starts. He owns two no-decisions against New York in 2017.
Lineups:
Tonight's lineup for the series opener in New York. #Birdland pic.twitter.com/Y7YqQYaeCd
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 14, 2017
We're back in the Bronx! And we're home for 14 of the last 17 games starting tonight! pic.twitter.com/rooRhy4XYB
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 14, 2017
Player To Watch: Seth Smith
In his career against Masahiro Tanaka, Smith is 5-for-14 (.357) with a RBI and three walks, totaling an OBP of .471.
Honoring Stick:
Prior to tonight’s contest, the Yankees will hold a moment of silence and video tribute for Gene Michael, who passed away at the age of 79 last Thursday. “Stick” played seven seasons for the Yankees before going on to serve with the organization as a coach, manager, general manager and scout.
A message from Brian Cashman on the passing of @Yankees legend Gene Michael. pic.twitter.com/D1c7zcrugp
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) September 7, 2017
Bird Hunting:
The Yankees have scored 120 runs in 15 games against the Orioles this season, the highest total by any team vs. any opponent this season.
Gary Is Scary:
Yankees’ catcher Gary Sanchez owns a .325/.368/.684 slash line with 13 home runs and an OPS of 1.052 OPS in 28 games since August 9. His 31 RBI’s in that stretch is also tied for the second-most in MLB over the stretch. Further more, Gary has 16 home runs over his last 42 games after hitting three over his previous 30.
Head Strong:
Chase Headley‘s single in the ninth on Wednesday extended his season-long hitting streak to 11 games. During this streak, the switch-hitter is batting .341 (15-for-44) with eight runs scored, three home runs and seven RBI’s.
Chase Headley extends his hit-streak to 9 games on Sunday, and he's batting .361 with 3 HR & 7 RBI over that span. pic.twitter.com/4fOhCSXrAa
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) September 10, 2017
This Day In Yankees’ History:
On Sept. 14, 1999, the Yankees defeated the Blue Jays, 10-6 at the Skydome as Bernie Williams’ grand slam in the eighth ties the game and Paul O’Neill’s slam in the ninth wins it.
How To Watch:
- Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
- Channel: YES Network
- Radio: WFAN 660/101.9 FM
- Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
