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Mussina aims for ninth win vs. Blue Jays

Jun 4, 2008 - 2:21 PM Toronto (32-28) at New York Yankees (28-30) 7:05 p.m. EDT

BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- A day after sending a 22-year-old phenom to the mound, the New York Yankees will let a 39-year-old veteran have a turn when they host the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday.

Joba Chamberlain lasted just 2 1/3 innings in his starting debut on Tuesday, struggling through a 38-pitch first inning that prematurely brought on his exit at 62 pitches in the third.

The Yankees went on to suffer a 9-3 setback, with three relievers combining to allow six runs in the seventh inning.

Mike Mussina (8-4, 4.26 ERA) looks to stabilize things for the Yankees on Wednesday. The righthander has earned a decision in each of his starts this season and could rejoin Anaheim's Joe Saunders on top of the American league wins list with a victory against the Blue Jays.

Often criticized in the media and even by his own ownership early this season, Mussina has been the most consistent member of New York's rotation, allowing three earned runs or less in nine of his 12 outings. He earned a win at Minnesota last Friday, surrendering four runs - two earned - in six frames.

Mussina will have to quiet a lineup that has propelled the Blue Jays to wins in eight of their last 11 games.

Toronto will counter with righthander Jesse Litsch (7-1, 3.18). The 23-year-old has not allowed a run in his last two starts, earning wins against the Royals and Athletics with 16 combined scoreless frames.

Litsch has allowed three earned runs or less in his last seven starts and ranks 10th in the AL in ERA.