Time to see if last season was a fluke or for real. Nathan Eovaldi goes for the first series win of the year against Mike Fiers and the Astros. Eovaldi starts his second season in the Bronx after an odd 2015. While he won a career high 14 games and lost only 3, he had a 4.20 ERA. He was the only pitcher who seemed to get consistent run support. Why? I have no idea. He faced Houston twice last season, going 1-0, allowing 2 runs and striking out 13. He missed the majority of September with right elbow inflammation.
“I’d like to pick up where I left off last year,” said Eovaldi. “It was difficult the way the season ended, but it’s a new season and I’m looking forward to the start of it.”
Fiers was traded from the Brewers last July and made 10 appearances (9 starts) for the Astros. He set a career high in starts (30) innings pitched (180.1) and strikeouts (180) on way to a 7-10 record and 3.69 ERA. This will be his first time facing the Yanks.
“Being my first time pitching here, I’m definitely excited for that,” Fiers said. “I’m excited to pitch against a team in the season when it counts toward the team’s record. I just want to go out there and battle for my team and put up a quality start for these guys.”
Tidbits:
Eovaldi is 1-0 with a 0.90 ERA in 3 career starts against Houston.
Since coming to the AL in 2013, the Astros have split their 20 games so far with the Bombers.
Starlin Castro‘s 7 RBIs are the most by any Yankee in their first 2 games with the team.
4:05 pm on Yes.
