Long-time followers of the blog are aware that I harbor a profound affection for

Colorado Rockies

They’re like the big, cuddly golden retriever dogs—_not_ particularly smart or quick, and honestly, not even great athletes. Yet, you can’t help but adore them deeply. This makes me somewhat concerned about their prospects against the top team in the AL East.

New York Yankees

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Clarke Schmidt will take on the responsibility of kicking off the series strongly, set for his second major league start at Coors Field. In his previous visit, he secured a victory after throwing six innings with only two runs conceded, along with recording eight strikeouts and not issuing any walks. Given how erratic performances can be at the high elevation in Denver, repeating such an effort would put the Yankees in favorable conditions.

The primary hurdle for pitchers at Coors often lies in their loss of break on off-speed pitches, and Schmidt has primarily relied on his sweeping change-up with some use of his curveball this season. The key challenge for Clarke tonight will be adapting these pitches to perform effectively in conditions that aren’t ideal for them.

This start for Colorado was supposed to go to top young gun Chase Dollander, but he just hit the IL. So instead it will be Tanner Gordon, just recalled today from Triple-A Albuquerque, coming up as a periodic spot starter. He’s made one start already this year, going 6.1 innings against the Tigers on May 8. He throws a pretty mediocre fastball, but his best pitch is a changeup that he’ll try to keep Yankee hitters off balance with.


How to watch


Location

Coors Field — Denver, CO


First pitch

: 8:40 pm ET


TV broadcast

YES Network, Rockies.TV, KUSA/9News, KTVD Channel 20


Radio broadcast

: WFAN (NYY); KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM, KNRV 1150 (COL)


Online stream

MLB.tv, Gotham Sports App

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