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Cubs Double Header (4/16/14)

jackie-robinson-no-42

After rain spoiled Jackie Robinson Day, the Yanks and Cubs will play a double header that starts with Masahiro Tanaka (1-0, 3.21 ERA) taking on Jason Hammel (2-0. 2.63 ERA). Tanaka struck out 10 in his Yankee Stadium debut against the Orioles but took a no decision allowing three runs on seven hits. The three runs came off a Jonathan Schoop homer. “If you look at the first two starts, the beginning of the game, I’m missing my spots and giving up runs,” Tanaka said through an interpreter. “I need to make my adjustments, try not to do that. Try to keep the damage to a minimum , or no damage at all at the beginning of the game.”

Tanaka’s young career is already going into the Yankee’s record book. He is just the second Yankees pitcher in history to strike out at least eight batters in his first two Major League starts, joining Allen Russell of the 1915 team. “He’s adjusted really well so far, for me,” Joe Girardi said. “He’s handled the situation pretty well. I’m sure I’ll learn more as time goes on, but it’s pretty much what I expected, I think.”

Despite giving up three homers, Hammel won his first career start at Wrigley Field; those homers were the only hits he allowed. He may not be familiar with Chicago, but he is familiar with the Bronx. He has faced the Bombers 17 times while playing for the Rays and Orioles. He’s pitched at both old and new Yankee Stadium. “They’ve always been a team that is very patient and a lot of their guys at the top and the bottom of the order just battle and put the ball in play,” Hammel said. His last outing against the Yankees was July 7th 2013 with Baltimore. He threw 102 pitches over five innings, giving up six hits and one run.

The night game will be Michael Pineda (1-1, 1.50 ERA) on the mound against Travis Wood (0-1, 2.92 ERA). The fuss over that gunk on Pineda’s right hand distracted from his dominant outing against the Red Sox last time out. He struck out seven in six plus innings, allowing a run on four hits with only two walks. “I don’t know. I don’t use pine tar,” Pineda said. “It’s dirt. I’m sweating on my hand too much in between innings.”

“He’s been looking good,” Brian Cashman said. “We’re really excited about what we’re seeing. Happy for us, happy for him.”

Wood matched his career high with nine strikeouts in his last outing against the Pirates and left the game with a 4-0 lead, but did not get a decision. He has never pitched at Yankee Stadium, either old or new, and only faced them once on June 20, 2011.

The Yankees will honor Jackie Robinson and Nelson Mandela as they had planned to do Tuesday. They will unveil a plaque to honor Mandela. Mandela’s grandson, Zondwa Mandela, will be present at the stadium, along with the South African Consul General George Monyemangene and Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Sello Hatang.

 

Notes on the game

All players will wear number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson.

With a homer in the Sox series finale, Carlos Beltran is now tied with Yankee legend Joe Dimaggio for 78th on the all time list with 361.

Beltran was also named AL Player of the week.

Francisco Cervelli was placed on the 60 Day DL after suffering a quad strain Sunday night against the Sox. JR Murphy and Scott Sizemore have been recalled for the double header.

 

First pitch at 1:05 AM on Yes

Second first pitch at 7:05 PM on MY9