Astros 5 - 2 Yankees
Final
  for this game

Pineda tries to build off last start as Yanks battle Astros

Aug 20, 2014 - 2:44 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Michael Pineda makes his second start since returning from the disabled list on Wednesday when the New York Yankees continue a three-game series with the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium.

After taking nearly four months to recover from an upper back injury following his suspension for pine tar use, Pineda returned last Wednesday in Baltimore and allowed a run and two hits over five innings. He also struck out four without walking a batter, but did not factor in the decision of his team's 5-3 loss.

"I'm feeling good," Pineda said. "I feel like I want to pitch more, but it's my first start."

Pineda, who has never faced the Astros, is 2-2 on the year with a 1.82 ERA.

Houston, meanwhile, will counter with righty Scott Feldman, who is 6-9 with a 4.45 ERA. Feldman was roughed up his last time out on Thursday in Boston, as the Red Sox ripped him for seven runs in 5 1/3 innings.

"Tonight, I started off the game, I think I was able to throw four pitches for a strike," Feldman said. "I don't know what happened really. I started relying strictly on that one pitch and those guys are too good to do that. Even if you throw 100 (mph) and you've got only one pitch, it usually doesn't work. I've got to work on those for next time."

Feldman beat the Yanks earlier this season and is 4-4 against them with a 3.54 ERA.

Houston took the opener of this set on Tuesday, as Chris Carter's three-run home run in the top of the ninth inning carried the Astros to a 7-4 win.

Carter's no-doubt-about-it blast off David Robertson (1-4) landed two sections deep behind left field to break a 4-4 tie after Robbie Grossman and Jose Altuve both walked.

"I know he throws a lot of strikes and has been having a lot of success," said Carter, who had struck out in his first four at-bats. "I was just trying to get the pitch I wanted and put a good swing on it."

Chad Qualls pitched the bottom of the ninth to earn his 14th save for the Astros, who have won three of their last four games.

The Yankees had won their last two games against Tampa Bay on the road on the heels of a season high-tying five-game losing streak. They got a two-run homer from Brian McCann and a game-tying two-run double from Martin Prado in the sixth inning.

"I know I've said it before but we've got to play better," said Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner. "We've got to do more offensively and play better with the lead."

Houston has won three of four from the Yankees this season after losing 13 of 15 previous meetings.






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