Former Yankees starting pitcher Ivan Nova had his best stuff working on Sunday afternoon for his Pittsburgh Pirates. The righty fired seven innings of one run ball and struck out seven, while only allowing four hits in the 2-1 Pirates victory.
The Pirates got the ball rolling early against the Yankees and scored their two runs in the first three innings of the game. David Freese hit a sacrifice fly off of Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery in the first inning and then Gregory Polanco doubled home the second run in the third.
Other than the two runs allowed, Montgomery pitched well. He threw six innings, allowed seven hits and struck out five. The rookie has managed six innings in his last two starts and has looked impressive thus far.
The only Yankee hitter to hit Nova well on Sunday was Jacoby Ellsbury. Ellsbury got two hits and blasted a solo home run off of Nova in the seventh inning for his team’s only run of the game.
Pirates closer Tony Watson got himself into a lot of trouble in the ninth inning. The Yankees loaded the bases because of an error by second basemen Josh Harrison. With only one out, Aaron Hicks struck out on three pitches and Pete Kozma grounded out to end the game.
The Yankees will travel to Boston to take on the Red Sox on Tuesday night. Luis Severino will take on Cy-Young winner Rick Porcello in their first showdown of the season.
Win- Ivan Nova
Loss- Jordan Montgomery
Save- Tony Watson
Notes:
Jacoby Ellsbury has been hitting very well for the Yankees in the cleanup spot. With his two hits today, he boosted his average to .333 on the season and is off to perhaps his best start as a Yankee.
