Yanks could have edge vs. Liriano

Game 1 seems weighted (no pun intended) toward CC Sabathia and the Yankees against Francisco Liriano, who ended the regular season going 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA.  On the other hand, the Yankees are winless in the last nine games started by lefthanders.

Liriano is 0-2 with a 3.12 ERA in five career games (four starts) against the Yanks. Marcus Thames (5-for-14, three home runs).   He was 14-10 with a 3.62 ERA this season and earned the league's comeback player of the year. 

The wild card could be his emotions.  "I get too excited sometimes, especially when I get two strikes,'' he was quoted. ``I think I'm just trying to strike him out. I have to stay nice and calm and hit my spot, not try to overdo things, not try to rush. I'm kind of nervous, to be honest."

Liriano vs. Yankee hitters:

Derek Jeter: 5-for-13  (one homer, three RBIs)..


Nick Swisher: 5-for-16 ( two doubles).


Mark Teixeira:  3-for-16 (eight strikeouts).


Alex Rodriguez: 1-for-9 (four strikeouts).

Marcus Thames: 5-for-14 (three homers).


Jorge Posada: 3-for-6 (two doubles).

Curtis Granderson: 4-for-22 (12 strikeouts).
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Brett Gardner: 3-for-9 with three RBIs.