Masahiro Tanaka fans 10 in Yankees win over Cubs

Japanese pitching ace Masahiro Tanaka delivered a dazzling 10 strikeouts and allowed just two bunt singles Wednesday in the New York Yankees’ 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Tanaka, unfazed by unseasonably chilly weather at Yankee Stadium — where snow fell overnight — walked just one for the second time in three starts this season.

He lowered his earned-run-average from 3.21 to 2.05, drawing praise from Yankees manager Joe Girardi for his smooth transition to America’s major leagues.

“He’s pitched really well and we’re really happy with what he’s done,” Girardi said.

Tanaka had retired 15 straight Cubs batters before Anthony Rizzo’s bunt single against the infield shift to begin the seventh inning.

Tanaka responded by retiring the final six batters he faced — striking out three — before he was replaced by relief pitcher Shawn Kelly to start the ninth.

“He had outstanding command and good command of the splitter,” Girardi said. “He’s pitched really well so far. We’ve been pleased with the adjustments he’s made during the game. That’s important to me.”

via Baseball: Tanaka fans 10 in Yankees win over Cubs | GlobalPost.