This is the finale of a four-game set, with New York taking two of the first three. The Yanks won 4-0 on Wednesday. Interestingly, New York pitchers allowed eight hits in the shutout last night. That tied the most hits allowed by the Yankees in any shutout victory in the last 13 seasons. The last time they gave up more than eight hits while holding an opponent scoreless was on July 30, 1998 in Anaheim.

Curtis Granderson is easily the Yankees’ MVP this season – he hit his 26th homer of the season on Wednesday night; he had 24 the entire 2010 season. But history says he won’t fare well vs. Shields tonight. Granderson is 3-for-37 (.081) with 12 strikeouts in his career against Shields. That's his lowest average against any right-handed pitcher (minimum 15 AB).

Sabathia (14-4, 2.64 ERA) has posted a 1.68 ERA over his last seven starts, with 50 strikeouts and two runs allowed in 39 2/3 innings in his last five. He's seeking to win eight consecutive outings for the first time since June 3-July 11, 2010. He beat Shields 1-0 in that game right before the break. Shields (8-8, 2.60) gave up only four hits and an unearned run in that 1-0 loss to Sabathia. Shields fell to 3-10 with a 4.47 ERA against the Yankees, and he's 1-5 with a 3.83 ERA in eight home outings vs. New York in his career.

Can Shields beat Sabathia in this rematch? Bet on baseball now at Bodog!