Previewing the Red Sox and Yankees

Aug 28, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda (18) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Game Two

As of this preview, the Red Sox have yet to announce a starter for the second game of the series with the Yankees. If it’s someone that the Yankees have never faced, count on a Red Sox victory, as the Bombers are historically terrible against pitchers they’ve rarely or never seen before. Look at what Drew Hutchinson did against them on Saturday. He one-hit them and the Bombers’ hitters looked silly, striking out 12 times in the contest.

The Yankees will send out Hiroki Kuroda. In what is most likely his final month not only in pinstripes, but in the big leagues, Kuroda, along with Michael Pineda are the only original members of the opening day starting rotation to still be pitching. Pineda however missed most of the season due to suspension and then a shoulder injury. Kuroda has been, well, Kuroda-esque. He’s had three quality outings in each of his past three starts. Kuroda has only allowed more than three earned runs once in his past nine starts, which is good enough for a 3.38 ERA over that stretch.

In his career against Boston, Kuroda is 4-5, with an ERA of 4.18 with 59 Ks. Several Red Sox hitters, including David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia have had success against Kuroda over the years, so if he wants to notch another quality outing and win, he’ll avoid going into the danger zone with those established bats.