Yankees' Sabathia Won't Beat Himself Up Over Rough Opener
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Is it too early to worry about CC Sabathia?
The New York Yankees ace was hoping to bounce back quickly from a disappointing 2013 season. But the Houston Astros jumped on Sabathia for six runs in the first two innings Tuesday to spoil the first game of Derek Jeter's farewell tour 6-2.
"It got out of hand early," Sabathia said. "I've got 34 — hopefully more — starts left. I'm definitely not going to pitch like I did tonight in the first two innings. I know I can pitch. I love to get guys out. I feel great, so no I'm not going to beat myself up over this."
Sabathia led the majors last season with 122 runs allowed and finished with a career-worst 4.78 ERA. Things went bad for him from the start on Tuesday night in a matchup of the league's youngest vs. oldest rosters.
"That's been the toughest thing for me. I do get so excited," Sabathia said. "I feel like I'm a kid again. I would sleep in my uniform if I could the night before opening day. I think it's just the nervousness, the jitters, wanting to start the season off good so bad, I end up pitching bad."
Sabathia, 33, allowed eight hits and six runs in six innings.
The slimmed-down left-hander didn't appear to have much on his fastball, which was mostly in the high-80s. Sabathia's velocity was a big concern heading into the season.
"It's tough, but it's a long year," Sabathia said. "I have a lot of starts left. After the second inning, I felt like I threw the ball a lot better. I got some swings early in the count and was still able to go six innings. I just have to be better next time out."
Yankees manager Joe Girardi tried not to make too much of the loss.
"I had a feeling we were going to lose a game at some point this year," Girardi said. "We got it out of the way early."
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