New York @ Baltimore preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 22, 2014 ) Baltimore 8, NY Yankees 0

The New York Yankees continue their 11-game road trip heading into the All-Star break as they visit the Baltimore Orioles for the opener of their three-game series on Friday. New York began its trek by taking three of four in Minnesota before settling for a split of a four-game set at Cleveland. The Yankees held a three-run lead after six innings Thursday but allowed four in the seventh and five in the eighth, wasting a solid start by David Phelps en route to a 9-3 defeat.

The American League East-leading Orioles come into the series following a 4-3 triumph over Washington on Thursday. Steve Pearce homered and scored a pair of runs as Baltimore thwarted an eighth-inning rally attempt and held on for its eighth win in 10 contests. The division rivals are meeting in Baltimore for the first time this season after the Orioles won two of three at New York in April and June.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Hiroki Kuroda (6-6, 4.20 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Ubaldo Jimenez (3-8, 4.52)

Kuroda recorded his second win in seven starts Sunday at Minnesota despite allowing four runs and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings. Conversely, the 39-year-old native of Japan limited Tampa Bay to one run over eight frames in his previous outing but came away with a loss. Kuroda defeated the Orioles earlier this season to even his career record against them at 3-3 but came away with a no-decision in their second meeting June 20 despite yielding only two runs in six innings.

Jimenez enters with a four-game unbeaten streak but has registered only one victory in his last 11 starts. The 30-year-old Dominican escaped with a no-decision at Boston on Saturday after surrendering four runs on five hits and six walks in 3 2/3 innings. Jimenez has not fared well against the Yankees, going 1-4 with a 5.79 ERA in six career outings and 0-1 in two meetings this season - both in New York.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York learned RHP Masahiro Tanaka has a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. The Japanese phenom will attempt to avoid Tommy John surgery by following a rehab program, which could have him back in action in six weeks if successful.

2. Orioles RHP Bud Norris was optioned to Double-A Bowie on Thursday, one day after being activated from the DL and suffering the loss in a start against Washington.

3. The Yankees will be without OF Carlos Beltran, who was placed on the seven-day disabled list Thursday with a concussion and two small facial fractures after being hit in the face by a ball during batting practice a day earlier.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Orioles 5