The 2011 Colorado Rockies didn't let the ghosts of 2004 keep them down when they played their first game in the new Yankee Stadium on Friday night, winning 4-2. Jason Giambi made his return to New York in roaring fashion with a home run in the second inning and three hits in total. He will continue to be the Rockies' designated hitter this series.
Hopefully he'll be able to help Aaron Cook, who makes his fourth start of the season. Cook has dropped his last two starts, and in his last start he just didn't look quite all together. He did manage to work his way through six innings, but he gave up four runs during that time. But as has been the case with the Rockies' pitching, the offense hasn't done much to help alleviate the situation. The Rockies lost that game to the Tigers, 9-1. While this is his first career regular season start against the Yankees, Cook did pitch in relief during the 2008 All-Star Game in the old Yankee Stadium. He went three innings and allowed zero runs, but walked three. The AL went on to win in the 15th inning.
CC Sabathia is already turning in another solid season for the Yankees. His nine wins are tied for the MLB lead with 11 other pitchers. He sports a 3.39 ERA through 16 starts and 114 innings. However, June hasn't been the kindest month to him. In his last three starts he's allowed a total of 14 runs (6, 4, 4). He lost only the contest that he allowed six runs in. In the other two his offense has put up 12 runs and 10 runs, respectively, while his bullpen has shut the door on opposing batters. Sabathia has made five career starts against the Rockies, four coming in 2005 or earlier when he was with the Indians. The other came in 2008 as his first start with the Milwaukee Brewers. He walked five, struck out five and allowed three runs in six innings.
This game will have its first pitch at 11:05 a.m. MT.
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