Yanks Go Yard Recap: Kuroda Goes The Distance As New York Yankees Take Series From O’s

As the Yankees have all season long, when they get the starting pitching they need, they win the game. Tonight, Hiroki Kuroda was all that and more. Kuroda didn’t allow a runner to reach second base until the ninth, as he pitched a five hit shutout, as the Yankees took the rubber game of the weekend series against the Orioles, 3-0.

Apr 14, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda (18) throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the second inning of an MLB game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Kuroda really was on cruise control all night, as the Orioles had a very aggressive approach against Kuroda that ended up not working. Tonight should get rid of any concerns about the bruised finger that he picked up in his first start.The Yankees scored all three runs in the fifth inning. Brennan Boesch and Francisco Cervelli singled. Lyle Overbay‘s fly ball allowed Boesch to go to third. Jayson Nix drove in Boesch with a sac fly. Brett Gardner brought everyone home with a home run off the foul pole in right field.

After a day off tomorrow, the Yankees will play host to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Brandon McCarthy and Ivan Nova will duel at 7:05.

YGY Player of the Game: Kuroda

Notes: Curtis Granderson shagged some fly balls before the game in the outfield and did some throwing. He has yet to swing a bat, but could this week. Alex Rodriguez ran on a treadmill without pain as he continues to rehab from his hip injury. Andy Pettitte will not start a game until Friday night in Toronto against the Blue Jays. His back locked up on him this week, which is why he didn’t start tonight’s game.