Masahiro Tanaka (11-4, 3.12 ERA) and the New York Yankees (70-65) meet R.A. Dickey (9-13, 4.43 ERA) and the Toronto Blue Jays (77-59) in the first of a three-game division series at Yankee Stadium. The game starts at 1:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Sep. 5 and will air on RSN and YES.
In his last start, Tanaka pitched 5.0 innings, allowing two runs and striking out four in a 5-4 victory over the Royals. Carlos Beltran (.296, 65 Rs, 26 HRs, 81 RBIs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run and one RBI. The Blue Jays were also victorious the last time Dickey pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up five runs (two unearned), striking out five and walking three in a 9-6 victory over the Twins. Edwin Encarnacion (.264, 85 Rs, 36 HRs, 108 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run.
Notes
Toronto has won 52% (31-29) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, New York has won 54% (37-31) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Blue Jays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Yankees have a 26-39 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Yankees are 54-8. The Blue Jays have a 62-9 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 22nd, New York is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 572 this season. Toronto ranks in the top five at fourth with 666.
Ranking 25th, New York is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.717). Toronto ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .766.
When the Blue Jays allow at least one home run, they are 47-45. When the Yankees allow one or more homers, they have a 41-53 record.
