Series Preview: Yankees Attempt To Gain Steam

Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Game One

Lefty Chris Capuano takes the hill for the Yankees in the series opener tonight, and he is still searching for his first victory since joining the Bombers a few weeks ago. He’s pitched well enough to win several starts, but he’s been the victim of both poor run support and poor infield defense. His last time out, an Adam Jones home run was the killer, as the Baltimore Orioles put up 4 earned on the veteran in 6 innings, but Cap did strike out 7. He’s hoping to keep the ball in the yard tonight and get that elusive first win in pinstripes. Jose Altuve, the Astros’ all-world second baseman, is hitting a career .333 against Capuano, and speedy center fielder Dexter Fowler is hitting .294 in 17 career ABs with 3 runs driven in.

On the mound tonight for the Astros, is lefty Brett Olberholtzer (4-8, 3.87 ERA). He has pitched some great games this season, the problem is, he pitches for the Houston Astros. Olbey has gone at least 7 innings or more in his past three straight starts, along with going at least six innings in his past 11 straight starts. Talk about consistency. Over those past three starts (21 innings), he’s 1-1 with a 2.14 ERA and 13 Ks. In his career against the Yankees, Olberholtzer is 0-2, with a 4.09 ERA and 9 Ks. Light-hitting Stephen Drew leads the way against him, hitting .333 in 3 career ABs.