INSIDE THE MATCHUPS
YANKEES: Kuroda will be making his fourth start since July 6 against the Red Sox, going 1-0 with a 3.74 ERA. However, he has struggled in his career at Fenway, going 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in two starts. Kuroda, 9-2 with a 2.22 ERA from May 27-Aug. 19, is 1-2 with a 4.43 ERA in his last three starts, despite getting the win in his last start when he allowed four runs in six innings against the Rays.
RED SOX: Like most of the Red Sox, Lester has been a huge disappointment this season. However, he is 4-1 with a 3.44 ERA in his last five starts, which includes a seven-inning, one-run effort against the Yankees on Aug. 18. He has struggled mightily, though, at Fenway, where he is 3-8 with a 6.60 ERA.
STAT SO?
YANKEES: Derek Jeter is again swinging a hot bat, going 14-for-28 in a six-game hitting streak after going 4-for-31 (.129) in the previous eight games.
RED SOX: Boston is in total free-fall, going 1-11 in its last dozen games, getting outscored 83-31 in that span.
Tonight — 7:10, MY9
RHP Hiroki Kuroda (13-10, 3.14) vs. LHP Jon Lester (9-11, 4.99)
Tomorrow — 7:10, YES
RHP David Phelps (3-4, 3.55) vs. RHP Aaron Cook (3-9, 5.17)
Thursday — 7:10, YES
RHP Phil Hughes (14-12, 4.13) vs. LHP Felix Doubront (10-8, 5.21)
All games on WCBS (880 AM)