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Wang looks to lead Yankees to series victory

Apr 29, 2007 - 2:24 PM Boston (15-8) at NY Yankees (9-13) 1:05 pm EDT

BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- After losing seven straight games due in part to an ineffective bullpen, it took a member of New York's starting rotation to turn the fortunes of the relief corps and the team.

Chien-Ming Wang will make his first Yankee Stadium start this season on Sunday as New York tries to claim a series victory over the rival Boston Red Sox in the series finale.

Kei Igawa pitched six strong innings in relief of fellow rookie starter Jeff Karstens after the righthander suffered a broken leg on a Julio Lugo line drive to open the game on Saturday.

Mariano Rivera picked up his first save in three chances following a rough stretch where the Yankees' bullpen combined for a 7.66 ERA and three blown saves during the seven-game losing streak.

Wang (0-1, 5.68 ERA) will try to change the fortunes of New York's starting pitching this season, which has pitched through the sixth inning only six times in 22 games. He made his season debut on Tuesday, giving up four runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings of a 6-4 loss at Tampa Bay.

Wang did yeoman's work at home last season, going 11-3 with a 3.03 ERA in 17 starts. However, he is just 2-3 with a 4.91 ERA in seven career appearances - six starts - versus the Red Sox.

Several Boston hitters, including Manny Ramirez, have fared well against Wang. The mercurial slugger is hitting .692 (9-for-13) with two homers and four walks while David Ortiz is batting .471 (8-for-17) with a home run.

The Red Sox will counter with Julian Tavarez (0-2, 8.36) on the mound for the series finale. The righthander has failed to last longer than 5 1/3 innings in any of his three starts.

Tavarez gave up a season-high six runs in 4 2/3 innings of Tuesday's 10-3 loss to Toronto on Tuesday. He is 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA in 19 career appearances - including two starts - against New York.

Derek Jeter, who extended his hit streak to 16 games with his second straight 3-for-5 performance on Saturday is hitting .273 (3-for-11) with a walk and a strikeout lifetime versus Tavarez.