Jamie Moyer, who has made a living disrupting timing, better have perfect timing this afternoon.
The Seattle left-hander, who was 2-0 against the Yankees this season, gets the opportunity to pitch the Mariners back into the series. With Seattle trailing the series two games to none, this start is every bit as important as his last one, when he won the decisive Game 5 in the ALDS.
“I don’t feel like it’s a burden,” Moyer said. “I feel like it’s another game to go out and pitch.
“I felt that way all season, go out and pitch and try to perform to the best of your abilities. I felt that way in the Division Series and I’m going to continue to feel that way in the League Championship.”
Quite frankly, Moyer’s timing stunk last season. He was injured in a freak accident while making a simulated start last Oct. 7, suffering a hairline fracture of his left kneecap.
Arguably, he’s already pitched in a playoff-type atmosphere in New York. On Aug. 19, Moyer faced Andy Pettitte in Yankee Stadium in what was already being touted as an ALCS preview.
Pettitte was shelled for four first-inning runs, while Moyer allowed one earned run over seven. The M’s won that game, 10-2.
“You see all these big thumpers, big home run hitters, and he has them down on their hands and knees the way he pitches,” Yankee manager Joe Torre said. “We certainly don’t look forward to facing him because we have not had a lot of success against him.”
The 38-year-old Seattle savior beat Cleveland twice, the second time by a 3-1 score when he allowed three hits and one earned run over six innings. Moyer, who utilizes control and command instead of overpowering velocity, struck out six Indians and walked one.