New York Looks To Bounce Back As They Take On Their Rival Boston

After losing yet another series New York will look to bounce back when they host their American League East rival Boston for a three game series beginning Tuesday after an off day.

New York comes into the game with a record of 91-58 and is second in the division while Boston meanwhile comes into the game with a record of 103-47 and is leading the division.

J.A. Happ will start the opener for New York. The left-hander comes into the game with a record of 16-6 with a 3.75 earn run average. “according to http://m.mlb.com/player/457918/ja-happ Happ has been one of the Yankees' most reliable starters since his acquisition in late July. In eight starts for New York, Happ is 6-0 with a 2.70 ERA. The Yankees have won all but one of those games.”according to http://mlb.mlb.com/news/probable_pitchers/index.jsp?c_id=nyy He will oppose Boston right -hander Nathan Eovaldi who comes into the opener with a record of 5-7 with a 4.22 earn run average. “according to http://m.mlb.com/player/543135/nathan-eovaldi Eovaldi has pitched well at Yankee Stadium in his career, going 10-5 with a 3.85 ERA. The righty was dominant against his former team at Fenway Park on Aug. 4, allowing no runs and three hits over eight innings. “according to http://mlb.mlb.com/news/probable_pitchers/index.jsp?c_id=nyy

As for New York’s previous game, they lost the finale to Toronto on Sunday.

The soft tiebreaking hit that Dellin Betances served up on Sunday simultaneously provided the Blue Jays with a lead and delivered a reality check to the Yankees' clubhouse. For the first time, they spoke about the American League East as having been settled, with the focus now on making sure that they do what is necessary to host the American League Wild Card Game. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

That blueprint for the postseason revolves around squeezing five innings from their starting pitcher, then utilizing their trusted bullpen to take a lead home. That plan worked for most of the afternoon, but Betances permitted four hits in a two-run eighth inning, allowing the Blue Jays to rally for a 3-2 victory at Yankee Stadium. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

"We hold our own destiny," Betances said. "We've got to play a little better, and this one's on me. I'll take the blame on this one. … It sucks that [the Red Sox are] pretty much on their way to winning the division, but you've got to give credit to them. They've had a hell of a season. Now it's up to us to do the best we can for the next four series and try to lock down home-field advantage for the Wild Card." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

Rowdy Tellez stroked a pinch-hit, game-tying RBI single and Randal Grichuk followed with a go-ahead RBI double as the Yankees continued their September slide, losing for the 11th time in 19 games. New York maintained a 1 1/2-game advantage over the Athletics for the first AL Wild Card spot, while the Red Sox could celebrate clinching the AL East in the Bronx this week, having reduced their magic number to two. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

It's never too late. We're not even close to too late," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "We've got to play better, clearly. We're not playing our best right now. But the history of this game is littered with stories of teams that went into the playoffs in different scenarios -- limping, playing great. The bottom line is you've got to be playing right when it counts." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

Betances' shaky outing followed a solid five-inning start by Lance Lynn, who limited Toronto to a run on three hits, touched only by Reese McGuire's first career RBI on a third-inning double. Lynn was somewhat surprised when Boone did not send him back out for the sixth inning, having thrown only 80 pitches. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

"I'm the type of pitcher where if I don't throw over 100 pitches, I feel like I didn't do my job that day," Lynn said. "When it's all said and done, that's part of this run, where we're at during the season. We've got a bullpen where we've got guys that are fresh, and with an off-day tomorrow, you know that it's likely it'll be six [innings] at the most." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

After two scoreless frames of relief by David Robertson, McGuire greeted Betances with a single, and Justin Smoak singled to place runners at the corners with one out before Tellez and Grichuk drove home runs. Betances, who was charged with his third blown save, was not hit particularly hard, but he acknowledged leaving a few breaking balls up in the zone. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

"I thought Dellin threw the ball fine," Boone said. "It was just one of those days where placement is everything. Tough result, but no issue with how he threw the ball." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

Andrew McCutchen hit a leadoff homer and Didi Gregorius lifted a sacrifice fly to produce two quick runs against Thomas Pannone, but the rookie left-hander silenced the Yanks' bats from there, completing seven effective innings. Pannone scattered four hits while facing the minimum in innings two through six, walking two and striking out six. New York finished 4-for-29 after seeing the first three batters reach base. “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

"When he needed to make a big pitch, he was able to execute that," McCutchen said. "I think that's mostly what made him effective today. … We know we've got to take care of business. We just haven't really done that lately. We've got to keep our heads up and be ready for the Red Sox when they come in. We've got to finish strong." “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

SOUND SMART
In 12 games as the Yankees' leadoff hitter, McCutchen has led off the first inning by reaching safely in six of 12 plate appearances (5-for-11 with one double, two homers and one walk). “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

HE SAID IT
"I still believe at my core that we have everyone in that room to do something special. We're getting pushed around right now, and it's difficult and we're not playing our best, [but] this thing ain't even close to done." -- Boone “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/dellin-betances-stumbles-in-8th-as-yanks-lose/c-294863138

As for Boston’s previous game, unlike their division rival they won their previous game on Sunday when they topped the New York Mets.

The Red Sox are setting themselves up for a clinch party in the house of their rivals. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

After being the latest team to outlast Jacob deGrom and score off the Mets' bullpen, the Sox notched a 4-3 victory on Sunday afternoon at Fenway Park that reduced the magic number to two for clinching the American League East title. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

After a day off on Monday, Boston (103-47) opens a three-game series at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. The math has become quite simple: A win against the Yankees in that three-game series gives the division title to the Red Sox for the third straight year. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

"That would be awesome," said Red Sox ace Chris Sale. "I think we'd all like to do it here, obviously, but we weren't able to do that. Going to one of your biggest rivals in the division or in the game and being able to do it there, it will be fun. We'll enjoy it anywhere we're at." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

The game started as a duel between two of the most dominant pitchers in the Majors. Sale's latest "opener" was just what the Red Sox were looking for. He went three shutout innings and allowed one hit while walking none and striking out one. Sale made 42 pitches in the outing, and then got up to his allotted pitch count by throwing more in the bullpen when the fourth inning started. It was a significant step forward after Sale labored through 26 pitches in the first inning last time out and didn't come back out for the second. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

"I think at this point, the first one obviously didn't go as planned," said Sale. "This one was a little more smooth. We're doing three innings with an inning in the bullpen. We ramp up the first time, then the next time, and by the third one -- the first postseason start -- we'll be at 100 pitches, which is where you want to be." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

Knuckleballer Steven Wright got his first career save on a day the Sox rested Craig Kimbrel. It was the first time a knuckleballer saved a game for the Red Sox since Tim Wakefield on April 13, 2003. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

"This is a guy who went through a lot with his health and obviously starting the season late and he's been able to contribute," said manager Alex Cora. "It was good to see him halfway through the season, be a starter and a reliever and now he's doing a good job for us. Like I've been saying, the key for us is to keep him healthy. We know we have X amount of games. We have to keep him healthy." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

If Sale's second start back from the disabled list created excitement for Boston, it was temporarily offset by concern for star right fielder Mookie Betts, who had to leave the game in the top of the sixth inning with soreness in his left side. However, after the game Cora said Betts was fine and should be able to start Tuesday vs. the Yankees. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

The Red Sox had a significant accomplishment in the third when they strung together some hits against deGrom, which hardly ever happens. Rafael Devers and Christian Vazquez got it started with back-to-back singles that put runners at the corners with nobody out. Betts got a run home with a sacrifice fly to center. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

Brock Holt stepped up next and put a jolt into the crowd with a two-run rocket over the wall in right to give the Red Sox a 3-0 lead. It was Holt's fifth homer of the season and just the 10th allowed by deGrom. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

"It was a 1-0 count right there, so I'm looking for something hard and fortunately I got it," said Holt. "You still have to square it up. Fortunately I was able to do that. He's one of the best in the game and he proved it today." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

deGrom was nearly untouched the rest of the day, extending his record-setting streak to 27 starts of three earned runs or fewer. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

"He's one of the best pitchers we've faced this year. Poise on the mound, presence, fastball, slider, changeup. Controlling the running game," said Cora. "We made up our mind before the game [that] as soon as somebody gets on we're going to put a hit-and-run on. You have to do it. I was asking if any team has three hits in a row against him and nobody answered that question throughout the day, so we made up our mind. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

That's what we do, too, we try to put pressure on aces, because if you just sit back, relax and wait for the home run, it's not going to happen. Honestly, I know voting stuff and all that, but he should win the Cy Young in the National League. No doubt." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

It was the first matchup of two starting pitchers with 100 innings and ERAs under 2.00 since Dwight Gooden and John Tudor on Sept. 11, 1985, at Shea Stadium. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

Before the game, as they were both getting ready for their starts, Sale made a playful joke to deGrom, who homered against him in college. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

"I asked him before the game why he wasn't in the lineup," said Sale. "I need my redemption against him. Yeah, he's the best in the league. This is one of the best lineups in the league. We stuck it out and got one across late." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Lin lays base: Once the Red Sox got deGrom out of there, scratching one run across to take the lead didn't feel so hard. Tzu-Wei Lin, who came into the game as a replacement for Betts, started it with a double off the Green Monster. Holt flied out to deep center and Lin scampered to third. Andrew Benintendi did his job, getting the go-ahead run home on a sacrifice fly to center. For Lin, who is hitting .208 in 48 at-bats, it was a satisfying moment to start the rally and score the run that put his team ahead. It was Lin's first career appearance in center field. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

"Happy for him, too, that he got a double there and he was able to contribute. It was fun to see. It was good to see him smile," said Cora. "Yeah, we feel he can play center field." “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

SOUND SMART
Sale's career-long scoreless streak is now at 32 innings. It is the longest streak in the Majors this season and best for the Red Sox since since Pedro Martinez in 2002. “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

HE SAID IT
"We've got a chance. We've got three shots there. We win one and we clinch. I think, for me, it's going to be special if it was New York or Baltimore or Tampa -- this is a special group and we have a chance to finish this off. We've been looking at the standings and talking about it and a lot of people have been talking about it for a month and a half. Now we've got it, we're right there. So we'll be ready for Tuesday, and if it happens Tuesday, it's going to be a fun night." -- Cora “according to https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/chris-sale-throws-3-shutout-innings-in-sox-win/c-294841184

First pitch is set for 7:05pm from Yankee Stadium. The game will be televised on Major League Baseball Network and also streaming live on Facebook Watch “according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/schedule/2018-09