Sunday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers

STREAKING

Hiroki Kuroda, New York Yankees (10-7, 3.34 ERA)

Kuroda’s last start was overshadowed by the acquisition of fellow Japanese star Ichiro Suzuki, but certainly not forgotten by bettors. The righty helped snap the Yankees’ season-long four-game losing skid, allowing one run on three hits over seven innings against the Mariners Monday. Hiroki hasn’t been tagged with a loss since June 19, a span of six starts.

Paul Maholm, Chicago Cubs (9-6, 3.88 ERA)

It’s not often we get to talk about a Chicago Cubs pitcher that’s on a hot streak, besides Ryan Dempster. Maholm hasn’t allowed more than one earned run in each of his last six starts and has lowered his ERA from 5.38 to 3.88 in just over a month. The lefty has also picked up wins in five of his last six outings.

SLUMPING

James McDonald, Pittsburgh Pirates (10-4, 3.15 ERA)

There’s no doubt that McDonald is the stud of the Pirates’ pitching staff, but he’s struggled in his last three starts - squandering 15 earned runs in 15 2-3 innings to the Cubs, Rockies and Brewers. He’ll have a chance to rebound against the lowly Astros Sunday.

Jonathan Sanchez, Colorado Rockies (0-1, 11.25 ERA)

A change of scenery hasn’t been enough to change Jonathan Sanchez’s fortunes. In his first start since being acquired by the Rockies, he surrendered five earned runs in just four innings against the Diamondbacks. It’s been a nightmare season for Sanchez and now he has the challenge of pitching at high altitude in his next outing against the high-powered Reds. His last win came against the Angels way back on April 9.