CC Sabathia tries to win 20 games for the first time in his
career this evening, when the New York Yankees open a three-game regular
season-ending series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
Sabathia, who will start Game 1 of the American League Division Series for the
Yankees likely on Wednesday, matched his career high win total of 19 set in
2007 with a sensational effort Saturday against the Boston Red Sox, allowing
just one hit over seven scoreless innings.
The 29-year-old left-hander is unbeaten in 11 starts and has not lost since
July 28 against Tampa Bay. He is 19-7 with a 3.21 earned run average on the
year.
Mike Mussina won 20 games for the Yankees last season, but Sabathia would be
the first lefty to do it in New York since Andy Pettitte won 21 in 2003.
Sabathia (227 1/3 innings) is also set to become the first Yankees pitcher to
throw 230 innings since Pettitte in 1997.
"It'd be cool -- it would definitely be cool," Sabathia said of winning 20
games. "I'm going to go out and try to do everything I can to win the game on
Friday. But if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen."
Sabathia is 0-1 in three starts against the Rays this season, but is 7-2
lifetime against them with a 2.83 ERA in 14 starts.
The Yankees, who have already clinched home-field advantage throughout the
postseason, had their seven-game winning streak stopped on Wednesday after
falling 4-3 to the Kansas City Royals,
Joe Girardi has stated that all of his regulars will get at least one day of
rest this weekend.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is trying to finish up a disappointing campaign strong,
as it has won four of its last five games. However, they were denied a sweep
in their four-game series with Baltimore on Thursday, as the Orioles snapped a
13-game losing streak with a 3-2 win.
Ben Zobrist homered and doubled for Tampa Bay, while Matt Garza (8-12) allowed
three runs and six hits over six innings to take the loss.
"Matt had really good stuff tonight," said Rays manager Joe Maddon. "He had as
good as stuff as he's had in a while. We didn't make several plays for him.
Overall, I think he pitched pretty well."
Getting the call for the Rays tonight will be 24-year-old left-hander David
Price, who is 9-7 with a 4.60 ERA. Price did not get a decision on Sunday in
Texas, as the Rangers reached him for five runs and six hits in five innings.
Price has yet to record a decision against the Yankees, but has pitched to a
2.65 ERA in three games (2 starts) against them.
New York has won 10 of its 15 matchups with the Rays this season, including
four of the six games contested at the Trop.
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