The Subway Series switches over to Queens as Masahiro Tanaka (5-0, 2.57 ERA) takes on Rafael Montero. Tanaka grabbed his fifth win on Friday holding the Brewers to two runs and seven hits over 6 1/3 innings. Including his Japan stats, he has not lost in 41 starts, racking up a 33-0 record that dates back to August 19, 2012. With the game being played in National League Citi field, Tanaka will get to bat for the second consecutive start, he went hitless in three at bats against the Brewers on Friday. “I did get a chance to stand in the batter’s box, but I’d like to focus more on my pitching,” Tanaka said. “Just be able to pitch the way I want to out there tomorrow.”
Montero gets his first start in place of Jenrry Mejia who was sent to the pen. One of the Mets top prospects, Montero was 4-1 with a 3.67 ERA at Las Vegas this season, pitching 5 1/3 no hit innings in his last outing. The Mets believe that the 23 year old Montero is ready for the challenge of the big leagues, and he will have his work cut out for him against a frustrated Bombers lineup looking to snap a six game losing streak against the Mets.
“It’s a very similar thing that we talked about with Ruben Tejada a few years ago,” Terry Collins said. “I think his maturity is beyond his years as a pitcher. This guy has a feel for pitching. He knows when to pitch inside. He’s not afraid to pitch inside. He’s a strike thrower with all his stuff. The Dominican players nicknamed him ‘Little Pedro’ because he’s got a feel for it. Those are big statements. I don’t think he’s going to be intimidated. Obviously he might be a little anxious, but I think once he gets out there, he’s going to be who he is, because that’s his mentality.” Montero will become just the second Met to make his Major League debut during the Subway Series, joining Jaime Cerda (2002). “That’s really what I work hard for and train for, because it could happen at any moment,” Montero said. “I’m really glad the time is here.”
Notes on the game
The Yankees have lost six straight games to the Mets, dating back to May 27, 2013, for the first time in the history of the Subway Series.
The Yankees have won 54 of the 96 all time regular season meetings between the two.
Yangervis Solarte is in an eight game hitting streak. During that streak, he is batting .500 (14-28) with seven runs, a double, two homers, nine RBIs and three walks. He leads the Yankees with 22 RBIs this season.
Curtis Granderson has reached base safely in 17 of his last 19 games.
First pitch at 7:10 PM on MY9
