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Rangers look to keep momentum against Yankees

Aug 5, 2008 - 1:28 PM NY Yankees (61-51) at Texas (59-54), 8:05 pm EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) -- The Texas Rangers' offense struck yet again and may have taken the wind out of the New York Yankees' sails.

After a dramatic walk-off victory, the Rangers look to keep their momentum going against the Yankees on Tuesday in the second of a four-game series.

Marlon Byrd connected on a game-winning grand slam against reliever Damaso Marte in the bottom of the ninth inning in Monday's series opener, giving the Rangers a dramatic 9-5 victory.

Trying to continue the momentum, the Rangers send Matt Harrison (2-2, 7.40 ERA) to the mound.

In his major league debut, the 22-year-old lefthander surrendered two runs in seven sterling innings against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. After that, he has been dismal. Over his last four starts, he has given up 23 runs, 26 hits and 13 walks in 17 1/3 innings while striking out three.

New York will counter with Andy Pettitte (12-8, 4.18), who is coming off one of the worst outings this season on Thursday against the Angels. The lefthander coughed up nine runs and 11 hits in 5 1/3 shaky frames and failed to win his third straight start.

Pettitte remains as one of the club's most reliable starters and he may have to produce even more if Joba Chamberlain misses significant time with a shoulder injury.

Chamberlain came out of Monday's game in the fifth inning with complaints of tightness in his right shoulder. He is scheduled to fly back to New York to undergo tests on Tuesday and there is no word as to whether or not he will miss his next start or a long period of time.

One bright spot for the Yankees, however, has been newly acquired Xavier Nady. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 26, the outfielder is 11-for-19 with three homers and 10 RBI in his last five games.