Game 127: Yankees Look To Take Second Straight On Joe Torre Day

Aug 17, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda (18) looks up while on the mound during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees’ Keys To Victory

When the team hits, they win. It’s that simple. While 7 runs over their past two games isn’t anything to write home about, they’ve been scored when they are desperately needed. Thursday’s 3 runs game Brandon McCarthy all he needed in a complete game shutout, and after falling behind 3-0 last night, the Yankees put it together by showing patience, working the count, and taking what the pitcher gave them. With Scott Carroll’s inconsistency, the Yankees are in prime position to break out and strike early and often. This is the time of game that could really get these bats on a roll.  

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Aside from hitting, Kuroda has to give the Yankees some quality innings. He can’t afford to get knocked around, after Brandon McCarthy enabled the bullpen to get fully rested. A short outing puts the Yankees at a disadvantage, as Joe Girardi will be forced to use a bullpen that has thrown a ton of innings this season. If Kuroda can give the Bombers six solid, then they are in a great position to win the series, and begin to prepare for a series finale match-up against White Sox ace Chris Sale.