Orioles at Yankees
The New York Yankees are streaking again and dominated the last three games against division opponents to increase their lead in the American League East. The Yankees will aim for their fourth straight convincing win when they host the Baltimore Orioles in the second of a three-game series on Saturday.
New York took the final two of a three-game series against Boston by a combined 17-1 and followed it up with an 8-2 triumph over the Orioles on Friday behind the hot bat of Aaron Hicks. The 27-year-old Hicks began the season as a backup but bashed two homers on Friday to bring his season total to 10 and boost his batting average to .318, leaving him the likely starting center fielder even when Jacoby Ellsbury (concussion) returns. Baltimore fell to 10-18 on the road with Friday's loss and dropped four of their last six games while yielding at least five runs in each of those six contests. The Orioles will try to turn the tide behind struggling right-hander Chris Tillman, who opposes New York righty Luis Severino.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Chris Tillman (1-3, 5.59 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (4-2, 2.90)
Tillman brought his May struggles into June on Sunday, when he was knocked around for five runs - three earned - on six hits and four walks in six innings while suffering a loss against Boston. The California native has issued 15 walks and 38 hits in 29 total innings and surrendered four home runs in his last two turns. Tillman's worst start came against New York on May 30, when he was lit up for five runs on seven hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings.
Severino allowed a total of four runs in 26 1/3 innings over his last four starts and owns 29 strikeouts and six walks in that span. The Dominican Republic native was the victim of poor run support at Toronto on Sunday and did not factor in the decision despite yielding two runs in seven innings. Severino went up against Tillman on May 30 and cruised to a win while surrendering one run and striking out eight in 6 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Yankees will push RHP Masahiro Tanaka back one day to start on Monday against the Los Angeles Angels.
2. Baltimore placed RHP Darren O'Day (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list on Friday.
3. New York LHP Aroldis Chapman (shoulder) is expected to throw a simulated game on Saturday as part of his rehab.