Royals at Yankees
A high-profile pitching matchup will be on tap when the New York Yankees host the Kansas City Royals in the second of a four-game set Tuesday. The Yankees will send ace left-hander CC Sabathia to the mound to face Royals right-hander James Shields, who has more losses against New York than any other opponent. The Yankees amassed 37 runs during a six-game winning streak to start the month, but have managed only two in back-to-back losses.
Kansas City was in dire need of a well-pitched game after surrendering 45 runs over seven games prior to Monday's 5-1 victory over the Yankees. The Royals are two games below .500 but sport a better run differential (plus-8) than New York, which is one of only two teams (Washington) in the majors to own a winning record with a negative differential (minus-4). Lyle Overbay had a pinch-hit homer Monday to end New York's five-game homerless drought.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Kansas City, YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH James Shields (3-6, 3.23 ERA) vs. Yankees LH CC Sabathia (9-6, 4.06)
Shields allowed three runs or fewer in 13 of his first 15 starts and had only two wins to show for it. He has given up 12 runs over his last three outings but is 1-0 because the Royals have put up 26 runs behind him. The Yankees have tormented Shields, who is 7-15 with a 4.46 ERA in 27 starts against them overall and 1-6 with 10 homers surrendered over 51 1/3 innings at Yankee Stadium.
Sabathia reached a milestone last time out, notching his 200th career victory by holding Minnesota to two runs over seven innings. He has pitched at least seven innings in seven of his last eight outings but remains prone to the long ball, giving up 18 after yielding 22 a year ago. Sabathia has fared well against the Royals, logging an 18-10 record with a 3.26 ERA and three complete games.
WALK-OFFS
1. Robinson Cano is batting .392 with four homers in 79-bats versus Shields while Eduardo Nunez is 7-for-15 with two homers against him.
2. Royals closer Greg Holland has converted 14 straight saves and has struck out the side in five of his last 10 appearances.
3. Yankees CF Brett Gardner has struck out in 16 straight games, setting a franchise record.