New York @ Los Angeles preview
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Last Meeting ( Jul 15, 2012 ) LA Angels 10, NY Yankees 8
The New York Yankees failed to pack their offense during their West Coast trip. After mustering just one homer and 14 total runs in their last six games, the Yankees will look to get back on track on Friday when they open a three-game set at the Los Angeles Angels. Robinson Cano belted a two-run homer in the first inning on Thursday, but New York mustered little else and stranded 14 runners on base in a 3-2 loss to Oakland in 18 innings.
The Angels, who open a season-high 10-game homestand on Friday, have enjoyed considerable success versus the Yankees on the West Coast - winning 25 of their past 37 meetings. Los Angeles snapped a four-game losing skid with a 9-5 road victory over Baltimore on Wednesday. Albert Pujols homered among his three hits in the win, and has driven in nine runs in the last 10 games.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), Fox Sports West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH Andy Pettitte (5-3, 3.82 ERA) vs. Angels LH C.J. Wilson (4-5, 4.02)
Pettitte picked up his 250th career victory in style, allowing just one run on three hits in 7 1/3 innings in a 3-1 triumph over Seattle on Saturday. The veteran left-hander did not permit a homer for the third straight game and has yielded just six this season. Pettitte is 14-11 in his career versus the Angels, but owns a 4.49 ERA.
Wilson suffered his second straight loss and fifth in his last six decisions after allowing four runs in five innings against Boston on Saturday. The 32-year-old has permitted just eight homers this season. Wilson is 1-3 with a 3.43 ERA in his career versus the Yankees - but 17 of his 23 appearances were in relief.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York captain Derek Jeter was cleared to start running and take part in baseball activities. The 13-time All-Star has not played this season as he works his way back after breaking his left ankle in the playoffs in 2012.
2. Los Angeles burly RHP Joe Blanton was originally scheduled to start on Friday, but manager Mike Scioscia elected to push the struggling pitcher back a few days.
3. Cano is 8-for-23 in his career versus Wilson, although only one hit was for extra bases.
PREDICTION: Angels 4, Yankees 3