New York @ Los Angeles preview
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Last Meeting ( Jun 14, 2013 ) NY Yankees 2, LA Angels 5
The New York Yankees attempt to halt their losing streak Saturday as they continue their three-game road series against the Los Angeles Angels. New York suffered its fourth consecutive setback Friday, dropping a 5-2 decision in the series opener. Andy Pettitte worked seven innings after the Yankees' bullpen pitched 9 1/3 frames in Thursday's 18-inning loss at Oakland, but yielded four runs and 11 hits as New York fell to 3-5 on its 10-game West Coast trip.
Chris Iannetta went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and C.J. Wilson tossed seven innings for the Angels, who began their season-high 10-game homestand by posting their 26th win in 38 meetings with the Yankees. Los Angeles has won two straight following its four-game losing streak. The Angels have scored 14 runs in their two triumphs after totaling 12 during their slide.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, Fox
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH David Phelps (4-3, 3.90 ERA) vs. Angels RH Tommy Hanson (3-2, 4.12)
Phelps is coming off back-to-back impressive outings after being tagged for five runs while retiring just one batter on May 29 against the New York Mets. The 26-year-old yielded one hit over six scoreless innings in a victory over the Cleveland Indians on June 4, then settled for a no-decision despite allowing one run and three hits in six frames at the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. Phelps has made two career relief appearances against the Angels, surrendering one run in 7 1/3 innings.
Hanson has lasted more than six innings just once in seven starts this season, going 6 1/3 in a loss to the Houston Astros on May 31 in which he yielded five runs - four earned - and eight hits. The 26-year-old was victorious in his last outing, giving up two runs in five frames on the road against the Boston Red Sox. Hanson has faced the Yankees twice in his career, winning both starts while allowing four runs over 10 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York 3B Kevin Youkilis was placed on the disabled list for the second time this season with a back injury. It marks the 14th time the Yankees have used the DL in 2013.
2. Los Angeles DH Albert Pujols enters with a five-game hitting streak. The slugger has recorded three hits in each of his last two contests.
3. The Yankees have scored only two runs in each of their last three games and four of their last five.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Angels 2