Right hander Phil Hughes (2-3, 4.97 ERA) takes the mound tonight for the Yankees against lefty Felix Doubront (3-2, 5.29 ERA). Hughes allowed three runs in 13 innings (2.08 ERA) over two starts against the Orioles and Mets. However, back on May 15, he wasn’t able to get out of the first inning against the Mariners when they had a 7 run first inning on route to a 12-2 blowout. Hughes looks to keep the momentum going for the Bombers after last nights 4-1 win. Last year against Boston he was 3-1 with a 2.03 ERA
Doubront had a rough start to the season but appears to be settling down. He has given up two earned runs in his last three starts with a 3.18 ERA with opponents batting .210 against him and striking out 18 batters in 17 innings. The Yankees are 12-5 when facing a left handed starter, the best such record in the league.
Notes on the game
Speedy Jacoby Ellsbury was unavailable Friday due to tightness in his groin, his status for tonight is unclear.
Boston is 17-14 at Yankee stadium since 2010 having lost 7 of their last 9 in the Bronx.
The Yankees bullpen ranks fourth in the AL with a 3.31 ERA. Boston’s bullpen is 10th with a 4.02 ERA.
If the Yankees win tonight they will be tied for first, but keep an eye on the Orioles, they have won 7 of their last 10 having tamed the Tigers Friday night to move within one and a half games of first. Right behind the Orioles are the Rays only two game out of first. Summer is going to define the AL East.
Game kicks off at 7:15 PM (ET) on Fox
