Hiroki Kuroda (7-6, 3.99 ERA) gets the rubber match against Colby Lewis (6-8, 6.23 ERA) and the Rangers. Kuroda’s last start against the Blue Jays started rough, but he settled down to go 5 2/3 innings giving up four runs. He earned his seventh win of the year thanks to some unlikely support from his offense.
Lewis took his third loss to the Yankees his last time out, making him winless in four career starts against them. He pitched 6 1/3 innings with four hits, three earned runs and two strikeouts. He has a 6.14 ERA against the Yanks. He missed 18 months prior to this season because of hip and elbow surgery, but he is says he is almost back to full strength. “I feel like this is the best I have felt all year,” Lewis said. “I feel like I’m pretty strong. There is no more soreness in my hip, and no more soreness in my elbow. It’s about going out there and getting it done.”
While Brett Gardner soars, Brian Roberts sores. Gardner slugged his 13th homer of the season Tuesday, his third in the last two nights. He finished 4-5 with a single, two doubles, three runs and a homer. He would have hit for the cycle if his triple wasn’t scored an error.
Brian Roberts has played in 91 games this season, his highest total since 2009, and Joe Girardi said that the aging second baseman may be wearing down as a result. “I think that could possibly be going on,” Girardi said. “He’s been beat up pretty good this year, physically. He’s answered the bell every day that we’ve called upon him, and he’s played hard for us.” He will get a couple days off to recharge.
Notes on the game
Derek Jeter will be honored by the Rangers before the game.
Leonys Martin has two home runs in just four career at bats against Kuroda.
First pitch at 8:05 pm on Yes.
