Game 115 Preview: Yanks Look To Keep On Rolling Against Tribe

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Coming off a series against the Detroit Tigers in which they were heavily considered the underdog, the New York Yankees showed why the game has to be played on the field, and not on paper, taking 3 of 4 from the Tigers, a team that looked on paper, like an almost all around superior team to the Yankees. But that’s why the game is played on the field. The Yankees outpitched, and outhit the Tigers all series. The Yankees have really been starting to show signs of clicking as a team, and no area is a better example of that than the starting rotation. Since the All-Star break, the Yankees’ starting rotation has been as dominant as any in baseball. They are second in the AL in ERA since the break, and have given the Yankees a chance to win day in, and day out. Wait, wasn’t this rotation supposed to break down and completely fall apart when Masahiro Tanaka went down? It was, but that’s why the game is played on the field.

Shane Greene was the latest Yankees’ starter to put up a dominant performance yesterday, throwing eight innings of shutout baseball. The key to this whole series was the Yankees’ starting pitching. Who would have thought that a rotation that included Shane Greene, Chris Capuano, and Brandon McCarthy would compete with the likes of Max Scherzer, David Price, and Justin Verlander? No one. But that’s why the game is played on the field, and not on paper. They will look to keep it going against the Indians tonight.

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Pitching Matchup

Getting his first start for the Yankees today, will be 28-year-old, Esmil Rogers. Rogers (1-0, 5.84 ERA), will be getting the start in place of David Phelps, who went on the disabled list Monday, due to elbow inflammation. Rogers was named the starter for today’s game after the series finale against the Tigers yesterday. He’s seen limited time for the Yankees, seeing as he was only acquired by them a week ago, but so far, he has done a good job. In four innings pitched, he has allowed only one hit, and one walk, while allowing no runs, and recording five strikeouts out of the bullpen.

Starting for the Indians will be Trevor Bauer. Like the Indians (57-58), Bauer has had a pretty mediocre season (4-6, 4.20 ERA). We’ll see if that trend continues tonight.

Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Player To Watch

Overall, the Yankees have pretty good numbers against Bauer, but one guy who stands out is Chase Headley. In six career at-bats against Bauer, Headley has two hits (.333 BA), and 4 RBI. Look for him to potentially do some damage tonight.

Another guy to keep an eye out for is Mark Teixeira. After missing yesterday’s game due to a cut finger, it is not yet known if Teixeira will be in tonight’s lineup. This is a crucial time in the season, so the Yankees could really use Teixeira’s bat in the lineup right now.

And of course, who could forget about former fan favorite, Nick Swisher. Swisher has been having a pretty lackluster season for the Indians, batting only .207, with 8 homers, and 42 RBI. However, in the last series the Yankees played against the Indians, Swisher went yard, twice. We’ll see if playing against his former team sparks him again.

Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Keys To Yankees Victory

While the Yankees’ pitching staff has been clicking on all cylinders, the offense remains a mystery. You never know if they’re going to have a breakout day or not. So a big key to the Yankees getting a victory will be how many runs the offense can score off of Trevor Bauer, and the Indians. The Yankees cannot continue to rely solely on their rotation, they will have to figure out a way to scratch out some runs. One thing the Yankees have going for them recently however, is that they are leading the league in homers since the All-Star break. If they can hit some balls into the stands, as well as continue to pitch well, there’s no reason why they can’t win, or even sweep the series.

Mandatory Credit: Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Prediction

The Yankees will get a solid outing from Esmil Rogers, as he goes six innings, allowing two runs. Chase Headley will pick up a couple of RBI base hits, Brian McCann will homer in his third consecutive game, and the Yankees will win the game by a final score of 5-2. You can compete against the Yanks Go Yard staff writers now, by casting your vote on the Knoda.com game predictor app. Are we right? Will the Bombers easily handle business, or will they play down to their opponent’s level, and lose another game they shouldn’t. Cast your vote now!

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