Kuroda pitched eight strong innings against Baltimore on Thursday, but did not factor in the decision. He allowed two runs and three hits, striking out nine. Kuroda appeared to have earned his 12th win of the season, but David Robertson gave up three runs in the top of the ninth inning to blow the save. Unlike the 2013 season when Kuroda pitched well early and faded late, it was almost the complete opposite this year, as he had a subpar first half, going 6-6, with a 4.10 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 116.1 innings, before turning things on post All-Star Break. He was especially strong over his last eight starts, sporting a 2.79 ERA, to show that he still has something left in the tank. The veteran righty signed a one-year deal with the Yankees this past offseason, so it remains to be seen where he'll end up in 2015.