The New York Yankees (79-68) are one game behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League wildcard chase, and have three games coming up against them in the near future. First, though, the Yankees must find a way to cool off the Boston Red Sox (89-59) in their home ballpark. Live stream the action here; Yankees fans can listen to the game on WCBS 880 AM, while Red Sox Nation can hear the action on 93.7 WEEI.
The Yankees competed well against Boston in the Bronx, but were repeatedly bashed late in games by the Red Sox's red-hot offense. Tonight, the Yankees will trot out Hiroki Kuroda (11-10, 2.99 ERA) for Game 1 and will hope to get some length out of their most consistent starter in 2013.
Kuroda has hit a snag as the season winds down, going five straight starts without picking up a victory. The aging vet might be tiring from carrying the rotation on his shoulders, but if that's the case Kuroda isn't letting on.
"At this stage of the season, fatigue really doesn't matter," Kuroda told the team's official website. "You have to treat it as if this is going to be your last outing."
The Yankees have dealt with massive injuries throughout the season to many of their biggest stars, and now center fielder Brett Gardner can be added to that list. Gardner injured his oblique, and the team isn't sure when he'll be able to return.
"I've never had an oblique issue before," said Gardner, 11 for 31 lifetime against Lackey. "The best thing to do is just wait until (Friday) and see what the MRI says. That'll paint a much clearer picture."
While New York is mostly concerned with the Rays, Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles in the wild card hunt, Yankees manager Joe Girardi grants weighs this series against Boston with equal importance.
"It's important," manager Joe Girardi said. "We need to continue to win and we need to continue to take series if we want to play in October."
John Lackey (9-12, 3.48 ERA) will be the starter tonight for the Red Sox.
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