(Sports Network) - Ivan Nova tries to win his eighth straight decision this evening when the New York Yankees continue a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
Nova, who hasn't lost since June 3, won his third straight start since a stint in the minors on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, as he allowed three runs and five hits in six innings and upped his record to 11-4 on the year to go along with a 3.85 earned run average.
"I think he's made great strides since last year as a starter," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Nova. "There were times where big innings got away from him. I think he's just become more consistent. I think he took it as a challenge that, 'This would be the last time you're able to send me down.'"
The 24-year-old hurler was hammered by the Royals in his only other appearance against them earlier in the year, surrendering eight runs (four earned) and 10 hits in just three innings.
New York pulled into a tie atop the American League East standings with idle Boston on Monday, as Derek Jeter's two-run triple helped the Yankees to a 7-4 victory.
A.J. Burnett (9-9) lasted just 5 2/3 innings -- the 11th time this season he's failed to go at least six innings -- and allowed three runs and 10 hits. He gave up all his runs after Kansas City loaded the bases in the fifth, but got a key double play to escape further damage.
The Royals turn to a young hurler of their own tonight in lefty Danny Duffy, who is 3-6 with a 4.97 ERA. Duffy lost his second straight start on Thursday, as he allowed three runs and five hits over seven innings to the Tampa Bay Rays.