Ivan Nova (3-2, 4.09 ERA) is back on the mound after the impressive complete game, and win, pitched against the Orioles his last time out. He is 1-1 with a 2.95 ERA and has struck out 22 in 21 1/3 innings since being recalled from the Minors. The Royals will counter with Wade Davis (4-7, 5.42 ERA). Davis was antsy for another start after one inning last Saturday against the Twins, where he allowed six runs. Against the A’s on Friday, he returned to form with seven innings and a season high eight strikeouts.
Nova has been throwing the ball as good as anybody over his last 26 1/3 innings, striking out 28 batters and allowing just eight runs in that span. He has temporarily taken over the starting rotation spot of David Phelps, who is on the 15-day disabled list. And he’s looked like a keeper. Nova held the Orioles to two runs in a complete game win while striking out 11 his last time out. “It’s an unbelievable feeling the way I’ve been throwing the ball lately,” Nova said. “We just got to keep it going.”
Brett Gardner had his first two hit game in over a week on Tuesday night, going 2-4 in the Yankees’ loss. He was 1-25 over his last six games before Tuesday, and he had struck out in 16 straight games, setting a new franchise record. “He’s just kind of been in a little funk right now. I can’t really put my finger on it,” Joe Girardi said. “He’s just struggling a little bit.”
Notes on the game.
The Yankees scored the least amount of runs in the entire league in June.
The Yankees have managed three runs in three games.
Robinson Cano moved up on the Yankees’ all time hits list Tuesday when he recorded his 1,558th career hit with a first inning single, tying Thurman Munson for 18th place.
Game kicks off at 7:07 PM (EST) on Yes
