Game four in Texas falls on Hiroki Kuroda (9-6, 2.65 ERA) as he tries to split the series against Derek Holland (8-5, 3.10 ERA). Kuroda pitched another gem his last time out, limiting the Red Sox to two runs in seven innings at Fenway. He took a no decision against Texas on June 25, allowing three runs (two earned) and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. “Kuroda had everything,” Girardi said after that game. “His stuff was really crisp. He kept his pitch count down in the early innings. His stuff was really sharp.”
Holland took his first loss in six starts his last time out, allowing three runs in eight innings against the Orioles. It was his fourth start of eight or more innings this season and his fifth straight quality outing. Holland faced the Bombers back on June 27th, and it was his best career start against them. The Yankees entered that game with a 7-3 record against Holland, having scored 41 runs in 39 2/3 innings against him. But that day, Holland found a way to shut them down.
After a disappointing first stint with the Yankees this season, infielder David Adams is getting a second chance. The Yankees recalled Adams from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday when they placed third baseman Luis Cruz on the disabled list with a left knee sprain. Adams hit just .190 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 35 games in the Majors this season, but he was batting .309 with the RailRiders. ”I’m not saying it will be third base, but I’ll probably get him in there somewhere, then just kind of work it as time goes on,” Girardi said.
Notes on the game.
Yankees starter and franchise strikeouts leader Andy Pettitte moved into a tie for 39th place on baseball’s all-time strikeouts list on Wednesday, passing Sandy Koufax with No. 2,397.
Yesterday was Garza’s second career win over the Yankees, who were 12-1 against him previously.
Game kicks off at 2:05 PM (EST) on Yes.