Yankees Vs. Rangers The Rubber Game

The New York Yankees will take on the Texas Rangers tonight in the third game of the series.  The two teams have split the first two games.  The Rangers won 5-3 on Friday night and the Yankees won 5-2 yesterday afternoon.  C.C. Sabathia will make the start looking for his first win of the year.  It is not his fault that he hasn't gotten a win as his ERA is at 1.45.  He will go up against Alexi Ogando who has not given up a run in 13 innings so far this season.  Here are some notes and the Yankees lineup for the game.

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the first game Bob Sheppard ever covered.  He hasn't done a game in four years and that seems amazing because he was such a part of the stadium.  There are a lot of things that aren't the same since leaving the old Stadium and that is definitely one of them but time moves on.  April 17, 1951 was the first game he ever worked.  He did 121 consecutive postseason games including 62 games in 22 World Series.  That was all from 1951-2006, his first game was also the debut of Mickey Mantle. 

Kevin Millwood made his first start at Trenton today and pitched seven innings which was what the game went since it was a doubleheader.  In the minors they do two seven inning games when it is a doubleheader.  He pitched a one hit shutout throwing 88 or 89 pitches depending on who you talk too.  Millwood said it was a good first step. 

The Yankees will try to make it four out of four in series wins at home this season with a win tonight.  In the last six games Yankee relievers have held opponents to five earned runs over 23 innings.  That is good for a 1.96 ERA.  Joba Chamberlain has looked really good this year and has not allowed a hit in five of his eight appearances.  He has struck out nine and walked two in 8 1/3 innings. 

The Yankees lead the majors with 24 homeruns this season.  They have homered in 11 of the 13 games this season.  They have had at least two homers in eight of the games.  The Yankees have scored at least four runs in a major league high 11 games this season.  They are 8-3 in those games. 

Yankees Lineup: Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Nick Swisher, Eric Chavez, Jorge Posada, Russell Martin, Brett Gardner.  Eric Chavez is taking A-rods spot, he must still be hurting, I am guessing he will be back in the lineup for Tuesday.