Michael Pineda Takes The Mound Looking For The Series Win As New York Takes On Texas

New York will turn to right -hander Michael Pineda in the finale against Texas at Yankee Stadium.

Texas starting pitcher Nick Martinez is set to take the mound on Sunday near his old stomping grounds. The right-hander played college ball at Fordham University, where he was mostly an infielder. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/238523198/martinez-pineda-meet-in-rubber-game-in-bronx/?topicId=26688732

Martinez began the season with Triple-A Round Rock and joined the Rangers at the end of April, as injuries began to plague their rotation. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/238523198/martinez-pineda-meet-in-rubber-game-in-bronx/?topicId=26688732

After a rough first four outings, Martinez has settled down. He's gone 2-1 in his last seven outings (six starts) with a 3.75 ERA. Since the start of June, he's pitched to a 1.72 ERA over 15 2/3 innings. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/238523198/martinez-pineda-meet-in-rubber-game-in-bronx/?topicId=26688732

"I'm just focusing on what I need to do every day and be prepared to pitch when they tell me to pitch," Martinez said. "I don't worry about that other stuff." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/238523198/martinez-pineda-meet-in-rubber-game-in-bronx/?topicId=26688732

June has been Pineda's worst month since the start of the season. In four starts, he's 1-1 with a 4.18 ERA. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/238523198/martinez-pineda-meet-in-rubber-game-in-bronx/?topicId=26688732

His last win came on June 8, when he allowed one run in seven innings against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/238523198/martinez-pineda-meet-in-rubber-game-in-bronx/?topicId=26688732

As for their last game, New York lost to Texas Saturday in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium despite rookie right fielder Aaron Judge's efforts.  

The 6"7 282 pounds rookie right fielder did some damage Saturday but it wasn't enough as New York got clobbered by Texas in the Bronx and by a rookie pitcher.  

Texas  right-hander Austin Bibens-Dirkx held the Yankees to one run in seven innings and was backed by home runs from Carlos Gomez and Robinson Chirinos in an 8-1 victory on Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/238520262/rangers-beat-yankees-behind-pitching-and-power/

Aaron Judge's 26th home run provided the only run for the Yankees, as starter Luis Cessa took the loss. Cessa allowed three runs in five innings while continuing to fill in for injured left-hander CC Sabathia. The Yankees, despite winning the series opener on Friday, have lost nine of their last 11 games. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/238520262/rangers-beat-yankees-behind-pitching-and-power/

Meanwhile, Bibens-Dirkx has been filling in for multiple injured starters on the Rangers' staff but has been making a case for a more permanent role. He is now 2-0 with a 3.80 ERA in four starts and 3-0 with a 3.68 ERA since being called up to the big leagues on May 7 for the first time in his 12-year professional career. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/238520262/rangers-beat-yankees-behind-pitching-and-power/

Bibens -Dirks had this to say about his major league career. 

I'm just enjoying this and trying to have fun," Bibens-Dirkx said. "I got to pitch at Yankee Stadium and it was awesome. I had a good outing, that was awesome, too. I'm just enjoying every moment."

Texas scored in the first, as Delino DeShields led off with a walk, stole second and scored on a single by Elvis Andrus. Gomez made it 3-0 in the fourth with his 10th home run and Chirinos added his 10th in the seventh. The Rangers -- who broke the game open with four runs in the ninth, including a two-run double by Shin-Soo Choo -- have won 11 of their last 17 games. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/238520262/rangers-beat-yankees-behind-pitching-and-power/

New York had only three baserunners reach second base, and those came on Judge's homer and two Mason Williams stolen bases. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/238520262/rangers-beat-yankees-behind-pitching-and-power/

New York and Boston are still tied at the top of the American League East with New York having a record of 40-32 while Boston has a record of 41-33 on the season.  

New York drops to 40-32 while Texas improves to 37-37 on the season. New York and Texas will finish up their three -game series Sunday at Yankee Stadium. 

New York right -hander Michael Pineda has a record of 7-3 with an earn run average of 3.56. In his last start, Pineda battled despite the lack of fastball command in his last outing against Los Angeles completing 5/2/3 innings while permitting three runs (one earned) on seven hits. He has a record of 0-3 with a 4.35 earn run average in five career starts against the Rangers. He will go up against Texas right -hander Nick Martinez who has a record of 2-3 with a 4.33 earn run average. Martinez is 2-1 with a 3.60 earn run average in his past six games. He has a 1.10 WHIP in that stretch. He is 1-1 with a 3.01 earn run average in four starts against New York. The only loss was in Arlington as he has a 2.08 earn run average in three starts in the Bronx. "according to  https://www.mlb.com/gameday/rangers-vs-yankees/2017/06/25/491241#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=491241

Will Michael Pineda have a solid start against Texas to be able to give New York a chance to win the series?  Will Michael Pineda get his first win against Texas? Will the  New York offense be able to back his start and get their offense going against Nick Martinez? Will Texas be able to get their offense going against Michael Pineda? 

First pitch is set for 2:05 pm The game will be televised on Yes and Major League Baseball Network "according to https://www.mlb.com/gameday/rangers-vs-yankees/2017/06/25/491241#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=491241