The Rangers series comes to a close with CC Sabathia (1-1, 5.28 ERA) toeing the rubber against Martin Perez (0-2, 4.50 ERA.) CC hasn’t gotten through the fifth inning in his last two starts after going six in his debut. In his most recent outing against the Rays, he gave up three runs on nine hits and three walks and was pulled after 80 pitches through 4.2. The Yanks would win that game 6-3. He has given up eight walks and 20 hits so far this season.
“My fastball command was not that good in my last two,” Sabathia said. “Obviously, I need to command the baseball, use my offspeed pitches, get some swings earlier in the count, try to get deeper in the game.”
Perez has four starts under his belt but is still seeking his first W. His lone career start against the Yanks last year was a bit of an odd game. Chris Capuano would last just two outs after giving up five runs on three hits. Not to be outdone, Perez gave up eight runs on seven hits through one inning and the Rangers would lose 21-5. His three runs of support per nine innings is the lowest on the team, but that’s not the only reason the W has evaded him. His 4.88 walks per nine innings are the fifth most in the league, and his 0.85 strikeout to walk ratio is the lowest.
Tidbits:
Elvis Andrus is batting .455 off Sabathia, his highest average against any opposing pitcher he has faced at least 20 times.
Dustin Ackley, the only Yankee with more than four at bats against Perez, is 3-10 against him.
Perez is 3-0 with a 2.31 ERA in his last seven home starts.
8:05 pm on Yes and ESPN.
