The Yanks make their first trip to the National League to take on the Brewers for the first time since 2005. Masahiro Tanaka (4-0, 2.53 ERA) takes on Yovani Gallardo (2-1, 2.47 ERA) in the first of three. Tanaka has been the Yanks most consistent starter this season. He is coming off a victory over the Rays in which he allowed three runs and eight hits in seven innings. He is undefeated in his six big league starts, and has not lost since August 19, 2012. He has yet to allow more than three earned runs against a Major League club.
“He’s a top of the rotation starter, and that’s what you expect from guys like him,” Brian McCann said. “It’s hard to believe he’s only 25 years old. I feel like I keep saying that, but this guy’s got some poise. He competes every time he’s on the mound and gives us everything he’s got.”
Gallardo lost his first game of the season his last time out against the Reds. He had trouble commanding his curveball which resulted in nine hits and four runs while striking out just one. He’s 5-5 with a 3.30 ERA in 15 career Interleague starts.
The Brewers have not announced any specifics, but they intend to honor Derek Jeter during a pregame ceremony on Sunday. Jim Gantner, who played all 17 of his seasons for Milwaukee, is a big fan of Jeter. “All the games he played, the way he played, nothing fancy,” Gantner said. “I love his instincts. I love the way he just does his job.”
The Brewers manager Ron Roenicke and third baseman Aramis Ramirez also had nothing but praise for the Cap. “All the games he played, the way he played, nothing fancy,” Gantner said. “I love his instincts. I love the way he just does his job. I saw him for a long time, and he prepares himself well and plays the right way. A great leader on their team. It seems like I’ve been watching him forever.” Ramirez adds: “I never played in the American League before, but I know what kind of player he is. He’s just a great player and a great guy.” And they have a reason to praise Jeter, he has had quite a bit of success against them, hitting .337 in 26 career games, 16 of which were played in Milwaukee where carries a .367 average.
Jeter won’t be the only one getting an ovation at Miller Park, CC Sabathia will get his due when he starts Saturday. He will make his first regular season start in Milwaukee since his complete game in the finale of 2008 that, along with a Ryan Braun homer, sent the Brewers to the postseason for the first time since 1982.
Notes on the game
Opponents are batting just .098 (9-92) with two strikes against Tanaka.
The Yankees are 211-182-1 all time against the Brew Crew. They have won the last four meetings including a sweep at the Stadium in 2011. The Brewers won two of three the last time the teams met at Miller Park.
When the Brewers made their first postseason appearance in 1981, it was the Yankees who denied them a chance at the AL pennant.
The last time the Yanks were in Milwaukee, ARod hit career homer 400.
First pitch at 8:10 PM on MY9
