Tune in at 7:10 PM ET as the Yankees take on the Braves. Craig Seward will be liveblogging for your enjoyment.
Good evening everyone and welcome to the Score’s liveblog of this Interleague match-up between the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves.
Last night, the Yankees came back from a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Braves and take the 1st two games of this three game set. Leading the comeback charge was Alex Rodriguez, whose 8th inning grand slam tied him with the Iron Horse for the all-time career grand slam record at 23.
In taking two of three this series, the Yankees have now won all four of their road series at Atlanta and have won 13 of their last 15 games against the Braves dating back to the 1996 World Series.
The Braves were one of the hottest teams in baseball, going 7-3 in their last 10. Unfortunately for them, those three losses have come in their last three games!
Somehow, I don't think that's gonna turn out well for you.
With the win last night, the Yankees vaulted into top spot in the AL East. It’s remarkably just their 2nd time a top the division this year. With the way they’re playing, they may not relinquish it for the rest of the season.
Here are tonight's starting line-ups for both sides...
Speaking of which...
Tonight’s Starting Pitchers: Hiroki Kudora (5-6, 3.46 ERA) vs. Tim Hudson (4-2, 3.83)
Kuroda is very familiar with the Braves having pitched against them as a Dodger, but hasn’t fared very well over his career. Kuroda Is just 1-4 with a 2.10 ERA (34.1IP, 8ER) in five career starts vs. the Braves. That record is a bit skewed however he’s received just four total runs in support over his five career starts vs. Atlanta, despite allowing 2ER or less in four of those outings.
Obviously, that guy doesn't know Kuroda's stats against the Braves.
As for Hudson, he was scratched from his last scheduled start with swelling in his ankle. Much like Kuroda, Hudson hasn’t fared well against this evening’s competition. Hudson is 1-3 with a 3.78 ERA in 10 starts against the Yankees in his career. In fact, his last win came back in 2003 as a member of the A’s.
1st pitch in just a moment as the Braves take the field. Great looking night for baseball in Hotlanta.
Top of the order for the Yanks as Jeter digs in with that traditional tip of the cap to start us off.
Jeter takes outside for ball one. We're underway!
Jeter’s season has been nothing shy of remarkable. Need proof? He is the oldest Yankee ever to reach 70H within the team’s first 50 games of a season.
Make that 71 as Jeter lines a lead-off double into right center. That's a 5-game streak for Jeter, whose magical season continues.
1-1 to the two man Granderson. Granderson has hit 22HR off left-handed pitching since 2011, the most by any left-handed
hitter.
Good eye by Grandy as he looks at a change just off the black on the outside. 3-1 now with Jeter on 2nd.
Useful out as Granderson grounds to the right side. That will get Jeter to 3rd. One away for A-Rod.
A-Rod has owned Hudson over his career, hitting .359 with 3 HR and 7 RBI.
A-Rod over the top on two dancing change-ups from Hudson. Looks like he has that pitch working early. 0-2 to A-Rod.
Very vocal crowd tonight at Turner. Lots of Braves fans trying to drown out the Yankee faithful's uprising in the 1st.
The 2-2 is HAMMERED back through the box for an RBI base hit. Man is he with a hot bat now!
A-ROD is just one RBI shy of 6th place on the all-time list. With those two RBI, who will he catch. (HINT: It will add to the vitriol Red Sox fans already have for him)
That's also a 7-game hit streak for him. These Yanks are hot! Cano digs in with one out in the inning.
2-2 to Cano as he sends a souvenir into the left field bleachers.
Cano has hit safely in a season-high-tying 10 straight gms, batting .368 (14-for-38) with 7R, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3HR and 7RBI.
One last note on A-Rod, the Yanks are 16-0 when he has an RBI this season. Not a great stat for Braves backers.
Foul tip into the glove of McCann sends Cano back to the dugout. Two away for Teixiera to keep the inning alive.
2-1 to Teixiera, as Hudson delivers his 22nd pitch of the inning. Yanks really making him work here in the 1st.
Tex grounds to the SS Simmons to get out of the inning. The Yanks get one and lead it 1-0. Braves 1st hacks against Kuroda coming up!
Due Up for Atlanta
1. M. Bourn
2. M. Prado
3. B. McCann
Michael Bourn to lead it off for the Braves against the Yanks. Bourne extended his hitting streak to 12 straight last night. He’s now batting 410 with five doubles, two homers and five RBIs in that span.
Hanging change is fouled away to get Bourne down in the count 1-2. Dude has 17 SB this season, so it's key to keep him off the basepaths.
And the #Yankees are getting the brooms ready for a Sweep at Turner Fieldby dmataconis via twitter 6/13/2012 11:01:29 PM
Come on Braves!!! Kick some yan**** butt!!!! Love me some Chipper!!! #atlantabravesby imapeach3 via twitter 6/13/2012 11:04:24 PM
Braves or Yankees? Can't stand neither team! Cheering against both teams!by lil_huskercoach via twitter 6/13/2012 11:04:47 PM
Yankees - Braves!!! Venga Kuroda!by Hugo94Ocadiz via twitter 6/13/2012 11:06:39 PM
#letsgoyankees c'mon Kuroda, show them you can kick their ass as a dodger and a Yankee!by Chrismatic3000 via twitter 6/13/2012 11:08:26 PM
Ok Jeter...way to start it offby klew24 via twitter 6/13/2012 11:12:51 PM
@teixeiramark25 hi teixiera! U r an awesome baseball player. I love watching ya'll play. :)by maslow25 via twitter 6/13/2012 11:22:19 PM
Yankees already scored. Worth all the money they're paid? Yesby Lukhug88 via twitter 6/13/2012 11:25:20 PM
