Michael Pineda (6-11, 5.10 ERA) and Blake Snell (5-7, 3.39 ERA) start in the second of a four-game series between the New York Yankees (74-65) and the Tampa Bay Rays (59-80) at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won the last game 5-4, continuing a five-game winning streak. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 9 and can be seen on YES and SUN.
Pineda pitched 4.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs, striking out four and walking two in a 5-2 win over the Orioles. Carlos Beltran (.299, 67 Rs, 27 HRs, 85 RBIs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and three RBIs. Snell went 6.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out seven and walking two in a 7-5 win over the Blue Jays in his most recent start. Evan Longoria (.280, 71 Rs, 31 HRs, 85 RBIs) went 1 for 5 yesterday.
Notes
The Rays lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Yankees are 24-9. The Rays are 12-21 in close games this season.
The Yankees are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Rays have a 9-27 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Rays are 10-59. The Yankees have a 14-54 record when opponents outhit them.
New York ranks in the bottom half of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 156 this season. Tampa Bay ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 188.
Ranking 21st, New York is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 398 this season. Tampa Bay ranks in the bottom half at 19th with 400.
When the Yankees hit at least one home run, they are 56-33. When the Rays hit at least one homer, they have a 51-50 record.