The Yankees passed an early season test against Boston, taking two of three from the second place Red Sox to remain in first in the AL East.
Now comes another year as Buck Showalter’s third place Orioles come to the Bronx only 3.5 games behind the Yankees. The teams have already played nine teams this season and the Yankees are hoping the success the home teams have had recently continues.
Baltimore has won four of the six meetings at Camden Yards but the Yankees took two of three in the Bronx in early April. In 2016, the Yankees went 6-4 in the Bronx but 3-6 in Baltimore. And the year before that, the Yankees were 7-3 at home but 2-7 at Camden Yards.
So what is it about this apparent home field advantage? “Oh wow,” said Joe Girardi, who seemed surprised to be asked about something other than Masahiro Tanaka. “Well, I mean you like to think you’re built for your home ballpark, number one, when you think about that. Every year it seems like it’s one game or another, you know, one game in favor of one team and it’s really been a close series. They’ve been very talented. They’ve been a tough series for us. I just think we’re built for this ballpark better than other ballparks and that could be a reason.”
Jordan Montgomery will make his 11th career start tonight and his third against Baltimore. He received a no-decision on April 30 when he gave up three runs in five innings. He picked up a loss on May 29 when he surrendered three runs (one earned) in 4.1 innings. He gave up eight hits in that start and needed 100 pitches before Girardi removed him in the fifth.
The Yankees are hoping the third time is a charm for the lefty to pick up a win against the Orioles. Pitching for the home team helps when these two teams meet.