Yankees vs. Mets: Hiroki Kuroda’s Subway Series Debut Reveals Secret to Success
June 8, 2012 · Michael Moraitis · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Nothing pleases New York Yankees fans more than beating the New York Mets, and it’s safe to say Hiroki Kuroda‘s Subway Series debut was all the diehards could hope for.
The 37-year-old was dealing and showed a youthful-looking right arm against the Amazins that was routinely popping Russell Martin’s glove with mid-90s heat. Kuroda’s dominance took him into the sixth inning with a no-hitter that seemed to have no end in sight.
But the Bombers’ defense got caught playing shallow, and Omar Quintanilla dropped one in the gap that split Raul Ibanez and Curtis Granderson. Kuroda ended up going seven innings without allowing a run and only surrendered one hit while striking out seven.
New York’s offense, specifically Robinson Cano, gave Kuroda all the run support he would need for the evening. Cano crushed two homers on two pitches from Mets starter Johan Santana.
This start was Kuroda’s third solid start in a row since his struggles against the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals. Both of those starts were on normal rest, and his last three have been with extra rest.
It’s abundantly clear that Kuroda is a better pitcher with more time between outings. If you look at his game-by-game numbers (per ESPN.com), taking the ball every fifth day has proven to be a far worse strategy for Kuroda.
Manager Joe Girardi should be looking to get that extra day whenever possible, but it isn’t always that easy when days off come few and far between.
There’s no doubt Kuroda would have flourished in Girardi’s six-man rotation from a year ago, and this latest discovery about the right-hander will only spur the thought of its return in Girardi’s head.
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