Yankees at Rangers
A pair of Japanese hurlers will attempt to subdue two high-octane offenses on Tuesday as the New York Yankees and host Texas Rangers play the second contest of their three-game series. Newcomer Yu Darvish has shown flashes of brilliance while veteran Hiroki Kuroda has struggled to work out the kinks this season.
Derek Jeter had four hits to extend his hitting streak to 13 games and Alex Rodriguez belted a three-run homer against his former team as New York won its fourth in a row with a 7-4 triumph on Monday. Josh Hamilton launched his American League-leading eighth homer and third in four games.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FSH (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Hiroki Kuroda (1-2, 5.00 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yu Darvish (2-0, 3.57 ERA)
Kuroda permitted six runs for the second time in three starts to suffer his second loss this season. The 37-year-old allowed two homers in 4 1/3 innings in the 6-5 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. Kuroda dropped his lone appearance versus the Rangers, allowing five runs in 5 1/3 innings.
Darvish has certainly settled down after a rocky season opener. The 25-year-old has permitted just three runs on 11 hits in his last 12 innings. Darvish has struggled with his control, walking 13 batters - but the Rangers' powerful offense has covered up several blemishes along the way.
WALK-OFFS
1. The matchup between Japanese starting pitchers will be the seventh in major league history - and first since Kuroda worked with the Los Angeles Dodgers against Hisanori Takahashi of the New York Mets on July 22, 2010.
2. Jeter, 37, has started the season with a flourish, going 27 for 60 to raise his average to .411. He has nine multi-hit games already this season.
3. After being swept in a season-opening three-game series, New York has righted the ship by winning 10 of its last 13.