Chris Capuano (0-2, 3.60 ERA) is still looking for his first win as a Yankee against Brett Oberholtzer (4-8, 3.87 ERA) and the Astros. Capuano is making his fifth start in pinstripes. He allowed four runs over six innings, K-ing seven his last time out in Baltimore. Adam Jones‘ two run shot in the fifth inning was the go ahead run that decided the game. He will be on the mound for his 36th birthday and has pitched at least six innings in all of four of his starts with 24 strikeouts in 25 innings.
Oberholtzer has pitched seven innings in three consecutive starts and at least six in 11 straight. The Astros have won five of his last six starts and seven of his last 10. In those 10 starts, he’s 4-2 with a 2.84 ERA. “He’s learned how to be a winning pitcher at the Major League level, doing whatever it is he has to do that given day to give his team the best opportunity to win the game,” Bo Porter said.
Brian McCann returned to his place behind home plate Sunday, being activated from the seven day concussion disabled list. He went 0-for-4 with a strikeout. It was his first action since August 8th when he took a foul ball off his mask. Joe Girardi was pleased to pencil him in the lineup. “It’s really good to be able to put him back there because any time someone goes through something like he went through, we’re always concerned,” Girardi said. “But he feels good and he’s back in there.”
Notes on the game
David Robertson‘s next strikeout will be the 500th of his career.
5’6″ Jose Altuve hit his first grand slam Sunday against the Red Sox. His AL best batting average is now .339.
7:05 pm on My9
