Reds at Yankees
A
spectacular performance by Andy Pettitte in his second start since
coming out of retirement halted a three-game losing streak by the New
York Yankees on Friday. It also provided a warm and fuzzy moment to help
mask an alarming offensive trend for the Yankees, who continue to
shrivel up in the clutch. New York went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring
position, including a failure to score with the bases loaded and no
outs. The Yankees are 3-for-48 with runners in scoring position in the
last six games.
Cincinnati managed only four singles and was shut
out for the first time this season. It also marked the seventh time in
10 games that the Reds have been held to three runs or fewer. The
leadoff spot is killing the team. Rookie Zack Cozart is mired in a
3-for-36 funk and Drew Stubbs batted less than .100 during his
seven-game stint at the top of the order. Cincinnati's leadoff hitters
rank last in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage
in the National League.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (1-3, 4.35) vs. New York RH Ivan Nova (4-1, 5.44 ERA)
Bailey
bounced back from his worst outing with his best start last time out.
He limited the Atlanta Braves to one run on six hits in 6 2/3 innings
but did not factor in the decision. He has surrendered three homers in a
start twice but hasn't allowed a long ball in his five other outings.
Bailey is looking to snap a four-start winless streak.
Nova was
hit hard in his last start against Baltimore and also hurt his right
foot, but pronounced himself good to go for Saturday. The Yankees have
scored at least five runs in six of Nova's seven starts - and they've
been needed with opponents batting .326 against him. Nova limited the
Reds to one run on four hits in eight innings last year.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York's Raul Ibanez homered for the fifth
time in nine games. He hit a three-run shot in two at-bats against
Bailey last year.
2. Reds outfielder Chris Heisey is 8-for-15 (.534) in his last five games.
3. Robinson Cano extended his hitting streak to five games Friday. He has an extra-base hit in each game.