The Yankees started Monday needing only a win (or a Texas loss) to clinch a playoff spot, however, their troubles in Anaheim continued. Pettitte returned from resting a sore shoulder and pitched well, but the Yankee bats could not solve Joe Saunders, as the Angels went on to win 5-2.Bronx Cheers:
Cano: Robbie went 0-4 and left four runners on base.
Bruney/Albaladejo: Each pitched an inning after the Yankees finally scored and immediately gave back the runs. It is hard to feel like you can build some momentum when your bullpen just gives it right back.
Swisher: Swish went 0-4 and left three runners on. He left two runners in scoring position in a game where the Yankees rarely had anyone in scoring position.
Curtain Calls:
Pettitte: The first inning wasn’t pretty, but Andy settled down nicely and put in a good outing. He went six innings, threw 91 pitches and said his shoulder felt fine, so Yankee fans can breath a sigh of relief. He gave up three runs on five hits, but retired 11 in a row after giving up two runs in the first.
A-Rod: Alex went 2-4 with a homerun.
Jeter: Also went 2-4. His batting average is up to .330 now. Unfortunately, his teammates didn’t take advantage of him getting on base early.
Anaheim Stadium:
The Yankees clearly do not like playing in Anaheim. They are 5-18 at Angels Stadium in the last five years and 0-4 there this year. This is worrisome heading into the playoffs, but remember that the Yankees didn’t beat the Red Sox during the first half of the season and came out and beat them up pretty well. Their inability to win in LA has me thinking: If the Bombers don’t manage to pick up a win in Anaheim this series and make it to the ALCS, who would you rather face – the Red Sox or Anaheim?
In the On Deck Circle:
Chad Gaudin (5-10, 4.81) will be the starter tonight, as the Yankees hope to pick up that elusive win in Anaheim. Gaudin has looked good for the Yankees lately, who have won every game he started in September. He did pitch against the Angels earlier in the year, when he was with the Padres, and got smacked around, giving up eight runs on ten hits in three innings. Ervin Santana (7-8, 5.43) will toe the rubber for the Halos. He has looked better in his last eight starts, giving up less than four runs in all of them. Santana appears to struggle in Anaheim as well, going 1-5 with a 7.24 ERA in nine home starts this season. First pitch is at 10:05pm so grab some coffee, it’s going to be another late one!
