Jaime Garcia Set For The Opener As New York Takes On Boston

New York will renew their rivalry with Boston starting with the opener Friday at Yankee Stadium. 

It's the Red Sox and the Yankees in the Bronx, and that in itself is enough to grab your attention. Now throw in that it's August, with the season approaching the home stretch. And on top of that, the old rivals stand first and second in the American League East, both in playoff position as a weekend series gets under way. This is going to be fun. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

The weekend series starts with a pair of left-handers under the lights. Eduardo Rodriguez will go for the visitors against non-waiver Trade Deadline acquisition Jaime Garcia at 7:05 p.m. ET Friday in an MLB Network Showcase game. It's the first of six meetings in 10 days between the old rivals, who also play three games at Fenway Park just a week later. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

Since the Yankees last led the AL East at the end of July, the two clubs have trended in opposite directions: The Yanks lost five of their first seven to begin August, while the Red Sox ride an eight-game winning streak into the Bronx, taking a 4 1/2-game advantage in the division into the series opener. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

The Yankees, who hold a two-game lead for the first AL Wild Card spot, are 6-3 against the Red Sox in 2017, though, and hope to rekindle that success in New York. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

"When you're behind a club, you start to run out of days that you can catch them," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "When you're playing head-to-head, you can, for sure, make up ground. I'm not surprised [Boston has played well]. When you look at it, they have a complete team." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

To explain Boston's recent surge to the top of the division, look no further than the uptick in production from its arms. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

"We've continued to pitch consistently, and that will be the key for us," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "The way that our starters are now stringing some games together, the run the bullpen has been on for really all year, and more so currently, we set the tone from the mound. And we're going to have to continue to do that as we go into this next series." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

The Red Sox have allowed just eight runs in their last five games, all wins. They granted two runs in two games to the Rays, their first visit on a five-game trip to the ballparks of the two teams chasing closest in the division. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

"Road games are big. It makes up half your schedule, so you've got to do some work on the road obviously," Rick Porcello said after Wednesday's win. "We've got a tough series coming up against New York, so coming in and taking two in this series and starting the road trip off like that is big. We have to keep it going against the Yankees, another tough opponent, another division rival. Just have to keep pushing forward." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

Boston will need that success to continue because the Yankees have stifled them in 2017: The Bronx Bombers have outscored the Sox 38-16 this year." according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

Aaron Judge will be a focal point. The Red Sox have stifled Judge better than any team in the AL, holding the slugger to a .194 average and .306 slugging percentage, with one home run and two RBIs in nine games. Judge has an AL-best 35 homers and .616 slugging percentage this season, with a .294 average." according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

"If you're not 100-percent locked in on your approach, if you're a little caught in-between on certain pitches or on location, you've got to be 100-percent all in," Judge said. "You've got to be at the top of your game. You've got to be focused on either the pitch or location or zone you're looking for. If you're caught in-between two zones, they'll go out there and they're going to pound the zone and attack you. It's just about being on your game." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

As for Garcia, the veteran lefty has made his last three starts in three different uniforms, but he will finally find continuity and make his second Yankees appearance. His first game in pinstripes will follow a 4 2/3-inning Yankees debut in which he allowed five earned runs in Cleveland. A longtime National Leaguer, Garcia has never faced the Red Sox. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

"We're facing a team where we can gain some ground," Todd Frazier said. "We're doing pretty well in the Wild Card, but our first main goal is to win the division. We've got plenty of time. For me personally, it's going to be my first series against Boston [with the Yankees]; I know it's going to be a fun time and a great atmosphere. I can't wait to put on a show for the fans. Hopefully, we get on them early and often." "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

Judge drew his 82nd walk of the year Wednesday, passing Charlie Keller for the Yankees rookie record. Judge is on pace to eventually surpass Ted Williams (107) for the all-time rookie record. Only five rookies in history have ever drawn 100 walks in a season, most recently Brooklyn's Jim Gilliam in 1953. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

 Former Yankees infielder Eduardo Nunez will play on the other side of the New York-Boston rivalry for the first time. Nunez played parts of four seasons with the Yankees, stealing 48 bases and batting .267. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

 Rodriguez has gotten more than half of his swings and misses with his four-seam fastball this season, and the bulk of those have come when he has gotten the ball up. Among pitchers with at least 300 four-seamers thrown to the upper third of the strike zone or above, Rodriguez's 17.6-percent swinging-strike rate ranks fifth. "according to http://m.mlb.com/news/article/20170810247423096/sox-yanks-renew-rivalry-in-bronx-showdown/?game_pk=491820

As for New York's last game, they lost the finale to Toronto. 

Since Sonny Gray arrived in New York via trade with  Oakland he still in search of his first win in pinstripes.

 Marco Estrada befuddled the Yankees over seven scoreless innings to pick up his first win since May 27, and Jose Bautista crushed his third homer in four games as the Blue Jays secured the rubber game of the three-game series with a 4-0 victory at Rogers Centre on Thursday night. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

Ryan Goins, Josh Donaldson, and Kevin Pillar drove in runs against Yankees starter Sonny Gray, who received no support and lost his second consecutive start since being acquired from the Athletics in advance of the non-waiver Trade Deadline. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

The loss completed a 3-4 road trip for the Yankees (60-53), who sit 4 1/2 games behind the Red Sox in the American League East. The rivals will open a weekend series on Friday, with New York holding a two-game lead for the first AL Wild Card. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

Toronto picked up a game on New York and also moved within 4 1/2 games of the second AL Wild Card spot." according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

"I think it's only a matter of time before this team goes on a nice winning streak," Pillar said. "We've got about a month and a half left and we're finally getting everyone healthy. You're starting to see some signs of guys swinging the bat good. Some of our pitchers who were struggling earlier in the year are starting to figure it out." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

Estrada pitched out of trouble several times as he continued to find his groove, scattering five hits while walking three and striking out six in a 110-pitch gem. Estrada has given up three or fewer runs in four straight outings, completing seven innings in each of his last three starts. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

Estrada pitched out of trouble several times as he continued to find his groove, scattering five hits while walking three and striking out six in a 110-pitch gem. Estrada has given up three or fewer runs in four straight outings, completing seven innings in each of his last three starts. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

Gray was charged with three runs (two earned) and four hits over six innings, walking four and striking out six, before Bautista launched a 365-foot blast in the seventh inning off Chasen Shreve. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

"They had runners on base every inning except for one," Gray said. "I thought I made some decent pitches in some big situations, but overall I just gave them too many free passes. I just didn't throw enough strikes, and definitely not enough quality strikes." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

The Yankees have not won a series in Toronto since August 2015.

Donaldson has now tallied 13 RBIs in his last 12 games, reaching base yet again in the third inning with a two-out single to left field off Gray that sent Russell Martin trotting home. In all, Donaldson reached base in nine of 13 plate appearances in the series against the Yankees, including two homers. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

Sonny's tough, you're not going to knock hhttp://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/im around a lot, so you have to take advantage of every situation," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said.

Estrada's resurgent stuff held the Yankees in check throughout the evening, but the bottom of the order started to make noise in the fifth as Garrett Cooper singled and Ronald Torreyes walked. Estrada buckled down to retire the next three hitters, including Aaron Judge, who looked at strike three. Judge has now struck out in 27 consecutive games, extending his Yankees franchise record. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

To be honest with you, I've seen him do that over and over and over," Gibbons said of Estrada escaping jams. "He's one of the best I've ever seen doing that. He's got that knack, whatever it is, he can pull out a big pitch. He gets a lot of popups. He gets a lot of lazy fly balls … He has that knack a lot of guys don't." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

"It's kind of been a disaster of a season up until this point, as far as our record is concerned, as far as keeping guys on the field. … It never seemed like we could get on a roll. Despite everything that has gone on, we're still (4 1/2) games back of the Wild Card. I know there's a lot of teams ahead of us, but a lot of those teams are in our division and we're going to be playing them a lot." -- Pillar  "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

Bautista's blast marked career homer No. 36 against the Yankees, giving him sole possession of the most hit against New York by any active player in the big leagues. He had been previously tied with Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

Gray's final start for the Athletics came at Rogers Centre on July 25, when he permitted four runs (none earned) in a 4-1 loss. Because of his July 31 trade to New York, Thursday's loss marked just Gray's second start in 17 days, and the right-hander acknowledged that his circuitous route back to Toronto may have affected his command. "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

"It's been kind of a little bit odd," Gray said. "It has been a while just for me being out there, the moving around and everything. At the same time, I feel more than ready every time I get on the mound. It is going to be nice to get into a routine and try to create some rhythm and take the ball four days later." "according to http://m.yankees.mlb.com/news/article/247536568/marco-estrada-blue-jays-defeat-yankees/

New York drops to 60-53 and is now 4.5 games back of their rival Boston who is leading the American League East with a record of 65-49. Meanwhile, Toronto improves to 54-60 and is in the last place in the league. 

As for Boston's last game, they won 8-2 over Tampa Bay on Wednesday. 

he Red Sox stormed to their eighth consecutive win Wednesday night, riding a quality start from Rick Porcello, timely hitting and sloppy play by the Rays for an 8-2 win at Tropicana Field." according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

"We seem to be firing on all cylinders," said Porcello, who turned in the Majors' eight immaculate inning this season. "Chris [Sale] pitched a [heck] of a game [Tuesday] and got us the win there. Tonight, we came out and scored some runs. The bullpen came in and did a heck of a job, so that's kind of the recipe for us. We have to continue to do that." "according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

The American League East Leading  Red Sox (65-49) maintained their four-game lead over the Yankees, who defeated Toronto, 11-5, on Wednesday night. Tampa Bay (58-57) is now 7 1/2 games behind Boston and are one-game back of Seattle for the second AL Wildcard spot. "according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

The Red Sox took a 1-0 lead in the third after Andrew Benintendi scored when Rays starter Jake Odorizzi dropped a toss while covering first base for what would have been the inning's third out. "according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

Odorizzi had to leave the game when  Eduardo Nunez lined a single off the right-hander's right foot to start the fifth. X-rays were negative and Odorizzi is day to day with a bruised right foot Nunez finished with two hits in five at-bats, giving him 21 hits in his first 11 games -- the most by a Red Sox player after his first 11 games with the club. "according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

"It's going to be all right," said Odorizzi. "It just got some nerves in there, more so than bone. Bones are fine. So that's all the matters. It was right below my ankle and above the bottom of my foot. Flush, but the bones are good. I guess I've got that." "according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

Dan Jennings took over for Odorizzi, and the Rays' plight went from bad to worse. "according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

The Red Sox scored five times in the fifth using a wild pitch, a passed ball, two intentional walks, an RBI single by Mookie Betts and a two-run single by  Sandy Leon to take a 6-0 lead. "according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

"I thought we ran the bases exceptionally well in the fifth inning," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "We were able to move up 90 feet. And the key to the inning actually was Hanley [Ramirez], where he kept us from getting into a double play. He stayed in the rundown long enough for Brock [Holt] to advance to second base, and then a couple of balls get by [Wilson] Ramos that we are able to capitalize on." "according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

Porcello cruised through Tampa Bay's lineup through five innings in dominating fashion, including a fifth inning that saw him strike out the side on nine pitches. After he allowed solo homers to Adeiny Hechavarria and Brad Miller in the sixth, Porcello exited after allowing the first two Rays to reach base in the seventh." according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

"A little more of the same," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "Obviously, the offense was quiet. You know, we probably got a little sloppy today. But at the end of the day, if we're not going to put runs up, it's going to be tough to win." according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

The Rays trailed, 6-2, entering the bottom of the seventh when Steven Souza Junior singled to start the inning. Porcello then walked  Trevor Plouffe which prompted Farrell to bring in Matt Barnes to face Ramos. Tampa Bay's catcher quickly bounced into a 6-4-3 double play, moving Souza to third and effectively diffusing the rally. Mallex Smith grounded out to end the inning. "according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

The Red Sox had already scored three times in the sixth when Leon stepped to the plate to face Jennings with two outs and runners on second and third. Leon promptly laced a 1-2 fastball to left field to drive home both runners and put the game on ice at 6-0. "according to http://m.redsox.mlb.com/news/article/247421240/red-soxs-winning-streak-reaches-eight-games/

Will returning to the Bronx to Yankee Stadium help New York produce runs? Will Boston continue their winning streak? 

Left -hander Jaime Garcia will be on the mound making his second start for New York. He has a record of 5-8 with a 4.49 earn run average as he opens the series with 1st place Boston. Garcia took the loss in his debut at Cleveland allowing six runs (5) earned over 4 2/3 innings. He will take on Boston left -hander Eduardo Rodriguez who has a record of 4-3 with a 4.08 earn run average. Rodriguez turned in his best outing since returning from a right knee injury throwing six innings of two run four hit ball against Kansas City. The Southpaw pitched to a 3.31 earn run average last year against the Yankees but he has not faced them in 2017. "according to https://www.mlb.com/gameday/red-sox-vs-yankees/2017/08/11/491820#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=491820

First pitch is set for 7:05 pm. The game will be televised on NESN and Major League Baseball Network. "according to https://www.mlb.com/gameday/red-sox-vs-yankees/2017/08/11/491820#game_state=preview,game_tab=,game=491820