Yanks already successful in 2012 inter-league play

Regardless of the outcome of the Subway Series this weekend at Citi Field, the Yankees are guaranteed their 13th consecutive winning season in inter-league play since 2000. Despite the assault of several late-afternoon thunderstorms, Friday night’s game was able to get under way at 8:03 p.m., less than an hour after the previously-scheduled 7:10 p.m. first pitch.

The Yankees entered the game against the Mets with an 11-4 record in inter-league play this year, having already played the Reds (1-2), Mets (3-0), Braves (4-2) and Nationals (3-0). The Yankees were 13-5 in inter-league play in 2011 to tie the Angels for the best such record in the majors.

At 168-111 (.602) in inter-league competition, the Yankees have the most victories and highest winning percentage since American League and National League teams began playing each other during the regular season in 1997. The Yankees got off to a rough start that first year with a 5-10 record, the only time they lost more games than they won. Their overall record includes a 35-52 mark against the Mets.

Derek Jeter is the all-time inter-league leader in hits (343) and runs (195). Alex Rodriguez is the career leader in inter-league runs batted in RBI (197), ranks second in hits (304) and third in runs (181).

Yankees pitchers have batted a combined .098 with eight doubles, 11RBI and 40 sacrifices in 317 inter-league at-bats. Ivan Nova’s single in the second inning June 11 at Atlanta ended a hitless string of 22 at-bats by Yankees pitchers since Andy Pettitte’s single June 22 at Arizona. A Yankee pitcher has never homered in inter-league play. The last Yankees pitcher to hit a home run in a regular-season game was Lindy McDaniel Sept. 28, 1972 at Detroit off Mickey Lolich.