Game 78: Yankees Host Archrival Red Sox

There are few rivalries in sports like the Yankees and Red Sox. No matter the records of either team, the series always means something to the two teams, whether its a division title or simple pride. Both teams come in 5-5 in their last ten games, with the Yankees coming off back-to-back series losses against division foes Toronto and Baltimore.

Vidal Nuno (1-4 5.88 ERA) gets the ball in Game One of the weekend series. Nuno is coming off back-to-back poor performances, getting shelled in Oakland, and most recently giving up three home runs in a loss this past weekend to the Orioles. The lefty will need a big start tonight to hold his spot in the rotation, as he is skating on thin ice as is.

On the mound tonight for the Red Sox, is right-hander Brandon Workman (1-0 2.88 ERA) who is coming off a six-game suspension for throwing behind Tampa third baseman Evan Longoria. In a rivalry that is usually fueled by aggression and hatred towards one another, Workman may be under the microscope of the umpires if tempers begin to flare up. The righty has been lights-out his last two starts, giving up just two earned runs, on six hits. in 12.2 innings. The Red Sox have gotten the best of the Yankees thus far this year, as they have won five of the seven games and have piled it on by outscoring the Bombers 40-24 in those games.

What to Watch For…

Home Sweet No?: Vidal Nuno is looking for his first career win at Yankee Stadium. The Bronx has not been kind to Nuno as he is 0-4 with 6.14 ERA at home.

Red Hot Tex: Mark Teixeira has homered in three of his last five games, and has hit safely in 12 of his last 14 games. Over that stretch, he has two doubles, four home runs, and 12 RBI.

Jump On Them Early: The New York Yankees are 16-3 this year when leading after the first inning. They are also 36-13 when leading or tied after the third inning. If they trail after three, the odds do not look good as they are 4-24 in those situations.