ALCS Game 4: New York Yankees Attempt To Break Even in the Bronx
October 19, 2010 · Micheal Robinson · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
“You forget about it whether it was 15-2 or 3-2. It’s still a loss. It doesn’t matter what the score was if we win tomorrow.” – Derek Jeter
The Yankees, down two games to one in the ALCS to the AL West champion Texas Rangers, are in unfamiliar territory.
Cruising through the playoffs for the most part in 2009, Yankees face a must win situation after dropping two games in a row to fall behind in the series.
The good news?
In 1998, the Yankees trailed the Cleveland Indians by a game in the ALCS and clawed their way back to win the series.
That was a really good team in 1998, but this is a good team too.
The problem?
A.J. Burnett is tonight’s starter for the Yankees and he hasn’t started a game since October 2.
Burnett was a miserable 10-15 in 2010, with a 5.26 ERA.
However, it is worth noting that Burnett saved the Yankees from going down 2-0 in the 2009 World Series, pitching an amazing Game 2, seven innings strong with nine strikeouts and one earned run.
Burnett is capable to perform on this stage.
The Yankees offense has been miserable in the ALCS except for the five-run eighth inning of Game 1. They will need to wake up tonight and wake up fast.
Tommy Hunter (0-1, 4.50) will take the ball for the Texas Rangers as they look to take a commanding three games to one lead.
Hunter was the losing pitcher in Game 4 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays, yielding three runs in four frames in a 5-2 loss.
He made one start vs. the Yankees this year, allowing two runs in five innings on Sept. 11. He fanned eight, but got a no-decision.
While Hunter was 13-4 with a 3.73 ERA in 2010, he did yield 33, while only striking out 68.
Hunter’s numbers aren’t scary and he can be hittable.
The Yankees will get a chance to move Curtis Granderson up to the second spot and have a struggling Mark Teixeira bat from the left side of the plate, where he has been so comfortable at home.
If the Yankees want to get the job done, they are going to need to get it out of the way early with a safe lead in the first five innings.
The entire season hinges on tonight’s game.
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