The Yankess can sweep the Sox if they stay on track with starting pitching.
The Yankees-Red Sox are at it again, meeting tonight in the beginning of a three-game series in the Bronx. Tanaka will take the mound for NY in Game 1 with Romine likely behind the plate.
The first game of a series is always important. No team wants to fight an uphill battle, especially in this series.
Game 2 will put the two teams into stress test mode. Both starters—C.C. and Porcello—own 4+ ERAs. But Sabathia has been the beneficiary of veteran treatment. His 6-2 record is the result of consistent run support.
The heat is gone from C.C.’s fastball, but the fire still burns in his competitive spirit.
C.C. is a more controlled, well-rounded, and mature pitcher—a solid #3 starter.
Porcello, on the other hand, is in a very different place. His 3-7 record doesn’t inspire faith from the Red Sox faithful.
Porcello has 73 strikeouts on the season and has the ability to take out the best hitters. But he often falls behind batters and then can’t get back on track. The key for him is starting strong and lasting through the 6th. Doing both would give the Sox a shot.
In Thursday’s game Michael Pineda will take the mound with his Dr. Jeckel/Mr. Hyde ways. Pineda’s up-and-down performances are more than enough to drive the most uneducated Yankee fan mad. But if Pineda has his A+ stuff, then he has the ability to deal a shutout.
On Thursday the Yanks will face ‘The Yankee headache,’ also known as David Price.
The fortunate thing is that NY doesn’t have to face both Price and Sale in this series.
Times may be changing, though. The “Baby Bombers” were able to get to Price last year.
PREDICTION: If the Yankees can stay on track with starting pitching, then they can sweep the Sox. But, more than likely, Tanaka will have control issues tonight. If that happens, then I predict the Yanks will win the series, 2-1, behind C.C. and Pineda.
