Texas @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 13, 2012 ) Texas 2, NY Yankees 8

The New York Yankees seek to continue their home dominance of the Texas Rangers in Tuesday’s second contest of a four-game set between the American League’s top two squads. The Yankees (68-47) won the opening game of the series for their sixth straight home win over the Rangers and also jumped Texas for the AL’s best record. The Yankees have won five of six games overall. Texas is six games ahead of the Oakland Athletics in the AL West.

New York’s Nick Swisher had five RBIs – including a grand slam – in the opening game. The homer was Swisher’s first since July 19 and the grand slam was New York’s major league-leading ninth of the season. The franchise record is 10, set three times. Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton has an 11-game hitting streak, but Texas infielder Michael Young went hitless in the opener to end a 15-game regular-season hitting streak at Yankee Stadium. The Rangers have won just once in their last 10 regular-season games in New York.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest (Texas), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Matt Harrison (13-6, 3.31 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Hiroki Kuroda (10-8, 3.24)

Harrison has struggled over his last four starts with just one victory and a 5.55 ERA during the span. He received a no-decision against the Boston Red Sox in his last outing when he gave up five runs (four earned) and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. Harrison is 2-2 with a 4.76 ERA in seven career appearances (four starts) against the Yankees.

Kuroda has failed to win any of his last three outings despite giving up just six runs during the stretch. He took a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers in his last start when he allowed three runs and 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings. Kuroda lost to Texas on April 24 when he gave up two runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. He is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in two career starts against the Rangers.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York SS Derek Jeter is batting .372 during a nine-game hitting streak.

2. C Luis Martinez will make his first start for Texas since being recalled Saturday after Mike Napoli (quadriceps) went on the disabled list.

3. Yankees OF Curtis Granderson has homered twice in 12 career at-bats against Harrison.