The Colorado Rockies and New York Yankees have split the opening two games of their interleague series heading into Sunday’s finale at Yankee Stadium
Colorado Rockies at New York Yankees
Colorado dropped an 8-3 contest to New York Saturday afternoon, but is still in position to win its fifth straight three-game series this month. The Rockies hold an even 38-38 record on the season, including having the same record at home (19-19) as they do on the road (19-19). With the loss yesterday, the club also dropped below .500 during day games, entering Sunday with a 12-13 daytime mark. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki continues to enjoy hitting in New York City, no matter the opponent, batting .429 with six home runs and 13 RBI in combined games at Citi Field and Yankee Stadium. Colorado is 5-3 during interleague play this season and 25-13 over the last three years.
Rockies starting pitcher Juan Nicasio is coming off his worst start of his rookie campaign, giving up six runs and seven hits in just 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision effort on the road against the Indians. “There’s going to be some on-the-job training with a guy like this, with the continued development of his changeup, which is a work in progress,” said Colorado manager Jim Tracy. “It’s capable. We’ve seen some good ones thrown.” The right-hander has yet to tally a victory on the road, entering with an 0-1 record and 7.59 ERA, as opponents are hitting .356 against him. He will be facing the Yankees for the first time in his career.
New York moved into first place in the American League East standings and has a good chance of finishing the weekend on top. The Yankees continue to dominate opponents during the day, compiling a 21-4 mark when playing under the sun this season. The pitching staff has played a major part in that success and has registered a 2.85 daytime ERA, which is the best mark in the AL and third-best in the majors. Offensively, the team has been receiving big-time contributions from third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who came into Saturday’s game hitting .526 in his last five games. He had two hits and three RBIs yesterday and may serve as the team’s designated hitter in the series finale. New York is 29-23 versus right-handed starters this year.
Yankees starting pitcher Ivan Nova will be making his 16th appearance (15th start) this afternoon, coming in with a 7-4 record and 4.13 ERA. The right-hander earned his third consecutive win last time out in Cincinnati, surrendering just a single earned run on four hits on a career-high eight innings. Nova is 4-2 with a 4.76 ERA in eight home outings this year despite issuing 21 free passes in 45 1/3 frames. He enters this contest tied for first among AL rookie starters in wins.
Bettors will likely back the Yankees due to their 9-3 mark as an interleague favorite, while the Rockies are 2-12 on Sundays
