The Yankees and Rangers continue their series with Joba Chamberlain taking on Kevin Millwood. Chamberlain owns an interesting home/road split, where he strikes out more batters at Yankee Stadium, but allows fewer runs on the road. His home run rate is lower away, as is his walk rate. Millwood gave up nine home runs so far this year after allowing 18 in all of 2008. Most of his, surprisingly came on the road (7).

The pitching matchup of the night takes place in Kansas City where Zack Greinke host Edwin Jackson. Edwin hit the trifecta this season, increasing his strikeout rate while decrease his walks and home runs allowed. Zack has still not allowed a home run. In the current power era that started in 1993, the best ratio of home runs to strikeouts by a pitcher with 162 innings belongs to Greg Maddux. In the strike shortened 1994 season he allowed four home runs and struck out 156 batters, a ratio of .026. In a full season, the prize goes to Pedro Martinez, 1999. He struck out 313 while allowing nine home runs, a ratio of .029. Beating either of those ratios will give Zack an impressive season.

Finally, Tim Lincecum takes the hill in San Francisco against Kris Medlen. Medlen pitched poorly in his debut, allowing five runs in three innings on five walks and three hits. He actually showed very good control in the minors, averaging 2.0 BB per nine, so expect that to get better. Tim’s ERA is up about 8/10 of a run, mostly due to allowing more hits, mostly with men in scoring position. In 2008, opponents hit .166, 32/193 in the situation. This year they’re 15 for 53, .283.

Enjoy!