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Game 132 Preview: Yankees At Tigers

By Stephen Romano |
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Aug 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher David Price (14) walks off the field after being relieved during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Overview

The New York Yankees have now won seven of their last 10 games, and their hitting has been on fire. Yesterday, they knocked the Detroit Tigers’ newly acquired ace David Price out of the game in the third inning, after collecting nice consecutive hits. The Yankees are now 2.5 games back in the chase for the second wild card, and they still have one game remaining against the Tigers—the team they are chasing. If this groove continues the Yankees’ run will continue.

They need hot hitting and solid pitching to sneak into the second spot in the American League. Getting on the board early has been key for the bombers. When facing teams with great rotations, such as the Tigers, it’s important to get early hits and try to knock out the starting pitchers. It’s imperative to also make the starters throw strikes, and not swing at any pitches outside of the zone. Working the count results in a high pitch count, and that’s something that will always work in the Yankees favor.

Aug 23, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda (18) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox in the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Pitching Matchup

Hiroki Kuroda( 9-8, 3.94 ERA) will get the ball in this matinée series finale. He last faced the Tigers on August 5th, finishing with a quality start no decision. His focus today will be keeping the ball down in the zone, especially to their middle of the lineup. Kuroda hasn’t been consistent this year, but has returned to normal as of late. In his four starts in August, he hasn’t given up more than three earned runs.

Kyle Lobstein (0-0. 0.00 ERA) will be opposing Kuroda in his first Major League start. He will be filling in for the injured Anibal Sánchez. The Yankees can use a rookie pitcher to their advantage. They should make him throw strikes and work counts. Getting a few early guys on base might be enough to mess with a rookie’s head.

Aug 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (22) hits a single during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Players to Watch

Jacoby Ellsbury is 5-for-8 in this series so far with two home runs. This is the guy the Yankees need to stay hot to slip into the playoffs. With Ellsbury batting third, this opens up the opportunity for him to drive in more runs. He has hit the ball to all parts of the ballpark and doesn’t look like he will slow down.

Derek Jeter isn’t in the biggest slump of the season, but he hasn’t looked too hot. Jeter had some solid swings yesterday, which may result in a rejuvenation of the Captain. Jeter will be looking to finish his last season on high note, and finding his swing may just be the perfect way to do so.

Kyle Lobstein is the last player to watch. Because he is a rookie, it’s not likely the Tigers will allow him to pitch far into the game. As stated before, it’s important for the Yankees to knock this guy out early and take advantage of his fastball.

Aug 23, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda (18) reacts as walks to the Yankee dugout during game against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Keys to Victory

The biggest key to a victory is a good performance by Kuroda. If he can give the Yankees another strong outing, the hitting will take care of the rest. Keeping the ball down and finishing hitters off with good off-speed pitches will be key. Another important factor in a Yankees’ victory is closing the door. The bullpen must continue finishing games strong. This will not only allow them to win today, but make the playoffs.

Aug 24, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher David Robertson (30) pitches during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. New York Yankees won 7-4 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction

The Yankees will win 4-1 today, with an outstanding pitching performance by Hiroki Kuroda, going eight innings and only yielding one earned run. The Bombers will score three runs before the fifth inning, and Brian McCann will go deep. The Yankees will collect 11 hits—two a piece by Jeter and Ellsbury. David Robertson will pick up the save after striking out the side.

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