Yankees Rays Series Preview
By Max Grzymala
The Yankees are coming off a series split against the White Sox as they come into this series against the rival Rays!
Game 1 Monday June 17th
Pitcher Preview Masahiro Tanaka will start off this big 3 game set against Yonny Chirinos. Both pitcher have had terrific starts to the season with Chirinos pitching even better than Tanaka. Tanaka will have to keep the ball in the park if he is going to get the upper hand in this potential pitchers duel.
Keys to the game
Keep men off base: Tanka has had trouble this season keeping men off base, if he can keep the bases clear and stay out of the stretch he will be much more productive in this game.
Put the ball in play: Chirinos has not been a very big strikeout pitcher this season and the Yanks need to take advantage of this and get men in scoring position. They can't just wait for the home run ball it has to be a full offensive attack just like in Chicago.
Location: Yankee Stadium
First Pitch: 7:05 PM ET
Game 2 Tuesday June 18th
Pitcher Preview
J.A. Happ will take on Ryan Yarbrough in a potentially high scoring game. Yarbrough has had a tough season to this point with an ERA in the high fives in just under 5o innings pitched. Happ has also had trouble this season with an ERA in the high fours, however Happ has looked better of late and could help the Yankees too a crucial win.
Keys to the game
Limit fly balls: Happ has had a slight home run problem this year and if he can limit that the Yanks will be in good shape.
Always Attack: Yarbrough is no one to be afraid of and the Yankees need to go to the plate with a plan and look for a good pitch to hit and if they get it, let it rip!
Location: Yankee Stadium
First Pitch: 7:05 PM ET
Game 3 Wensday June 19th
Pitcher Preview
In the finale of the series we'll have two big lefties on the mound in Blake Snell and CC Sabathia. Snell has been productive to this point in the season but he has taken a step back from his CY Young winning season a year ago. CC is having a slightly worse season than last year but he is still getting the job done. This should be another competitive match up that could come down to the wire.
Keys to the game
Protect against the home run: Another Yankee pitcher with a home run problem, CC needs to try and limit the home run to keep the Yankees in the game.
Attack early: Snell has a knack for the strikeout and the Yankees need to attack before they get down in the count and are in plenty of trouble.
Location: Yankee Stadium
First Pitch: 1:05 PM ET
This is a big series and if all goes well the Yanks can build their AL East lead to 3.5 games over the Rays!
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