Previewing The Yankees And The Tigers

Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1

The series opener could prove to be a low-scoring affair. The Yankees’ latest pitching savior, Brandon McCarthy looks to continue his resurgence after a putrid start to his season in Arizona. Since coming back to the American League, McCarthy has once again implemented his cut-fastball, and is touching 94 mph consistently on the radar gun. His success has led to a 3-0 record, with a 2.55 ERA in four starts. His worst outing in pinstripes so far, game against the Texas Rangers on July 29th, when he allowed 4 earned runs on 9 hits in 6 innings of work. He’ll look to silence a very potent Tigers’ offense.

It’s been a struggle for McCarthy in his career versus the current Tigers’ lineup. In 103 combined at-bats, the current Motor City bashers are hitting .311, with 2 home runs, 7 runs batted in, slugging .515, and has a combined OPS of .897. The best individual performer is Torii Hunter, who is hitting exactly .500 against the Yankees’ right-hander. He also has a home run, three doubles, and a pair of RBI.

The reigning American League Cy Young winner, Max Scherzer will continue to build on a pretty solid season. He’s 13-3, with a 3.27 ERA, a 1.27 WHIP and 167 Ks so far in defense of his crown. The Yankee hitter to look out for is center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who is 5-for-9 career against Mad Max. Overall, Scherzer has held the current Yankees’ lineup to a .232 batting average, with only 2 home runs and 31 Ks. Scherzer is 5-0 in his last seven starts, but has a career 5.17 ERA at Yankee Stadium.