New York @ Baltimore preview
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Last Meeting ( Sep 10, 2013 ) NY Yankees 7, Baltimore 5
New York Yankees veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte has settled into a groove following a rocky stretch and looks to continue his stretch of strong performances in the third of a four-game series at the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Pettitte has dominated the Orioles like no other opponent over his 18-year career, posting a staggering 28-6 record against them in 44 appearances (42 starts). Tuesday's victory pulled New York within two games of Tampa Bay for the second wild card.
With the status of captain Derek Jeter uncertain and Alex Rodriguez dealing with tightness in his hamstring, the Yankees acquired shortstop Brendan Ryan from Seattle on Tuesday night. Orioles first baseman Chris Davis belted his major league-leading 49th homer on Tuesday but Baltimore was unable to hold a three-run lead and is only one-half game ahead of the Yankees. Despite the lack of success against Pettitte, the Orioles have won five in a row against left-handed starters.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH Andy Pettitte (10-9, 4.03 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Scott Feldman (5-4, 3.63)
Pettitte has rebounded from a midseason swoon to go 3-0 in his last five outings, turning in a quality start in each one and allowing nine runs in that span. He did not factor in the decision last time out versus Boston, striking out eight and giving up three runs over six innings. He faced the Orioles in his previous start, also receiving a no-decision after permitting a pair of runs in six innings.
Feldman has also registered five consecutive strong starts during which he has surrendered a mere six runs. He's coming off his best effort of the season with his first career shutout, blanking the Chicago White Sox on five hits to move a game above .500 since he was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs. Feldman took the loss in New York on Aug. 31 despite giving up one runs on six hits in seven innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Yankees LF Alfonso Soriano has 15 homers and 47 RBIs in 43 games since he was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.
2. Davis needs one homer to tie Brady Anderson (1996) for the team's single-season record.
3. Yankees manager Joe Girardi won his 556th game with New York, moving into a tie with Billy Martin for sixth on the franchise's all-time list.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Orioles 3