The New York Yankees and the New York Mets open up a three-game interleague set in the always-anticipated Subway Series. Friday marks the first day of interleague play of the season. The Yankees are currently in second place in their division and the Mets are in last place in theirs.
The baseball betting lines list the Yankees as favorites at -160 and the Mets at +140. The over/under is +140.
Both teams are limping into this series. The Yankees have been hit with the injury bug and have lost four of their last five (all at home) after losing just two home games all season. The Mets have been very inconsistent and are in last place in the NL East and rumors swirl each day about the status of manager Jerry Manuel’s job.
The New York Mets (20-22, 14-8 home) have lost eight of their last nine. They are, however, coming off of a road victory against Washington. Third baseman David Wright got them off to a quick start by doubling in the first inning to drive in three runs. The former All Star needs to exercise wise pitch selection, however, in the Yankees series if he wants his team to upset the favored Yankees. He is currently third in the major leagues in strikeouts this season with 55.
The New York Yankees (25-16, 12-10 away) will have an offensive advantage in this game, as they do in almost all their games. They lead the major leagues in runs, batting average, OBP, and OPS. Despite boasting a strong offensive cast that includes perennial All Stars such as Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Mark Teixeira, second baseman Robinson Cano is the biggest reason for their offensive dominance. He is batting .338 with a .977 OPS.
Hisanori Takahashi (3-1, 3.12 ERA) will make his first major league start for the Mets Friday night. Despite the pressure of pitching the opener in the Subway Series, the left-hander seems well-poised.
The Yankees will be giving Javier Vazquez (2-4, 8.01 ERA) another chance after skipping him twice in their rotation in the past 21 days. For the $11.5 million the Yankees are paying him this season they were hoping for better than an 8.01 ERA. The right-hander has never pitched at Citi Field. He went 1-1 with a 4.61 ERA in two starts against the Mets last season.
