Los Angeles @ New York preview
Yankee Stadium
Last Meeting ( Jun 16, 2013 ) NY Yankees 6, LA Angels 5
The New York Yankees are coming off their first series win in over a month, but hope to get Mariano Rivera back on the track Monday when they begin a four-game home series against the Los Angeles Angels. Rivera could not convert a save Sunday for the second time in the three-game series against the Detroit Tigers, but was bailed out both times by walk-off hits from Brett Gardner. The all-time saves leader has blown three straight saves for the first time in his career.
Los Angeles took two of three on the road from the Cleveland Indians over the weekend, but enters this series with its own issues holding leads. The Angels squandered a 5-0 advantage in the sixth inning Sunday, marking the fourth time this season they have lost after holding a five-run lead and 11th game they have been unable to win after holding an advantage of at least three runs – both of which lead the majors. Los Angeles has dropped seven of nine road contests and is 5-11 over its last 16 overall.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN West (Los Angeles), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (3-4, 4.20 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Hiroki Kuroda (10-7, 2.45)
Since returning to the rotation on July 27 to replace the ineffective Joe Blanton, Richards is 1-0 with a 2.50 ERA following a no-decision Tuesday in an 8-3 home loss to the Texas Rangers. The right-hander, who is allowing opponents to bat .222 in his seven starts, gave up three runs on eight hits over six frames. Richards will face the Yankees for the first time this season and is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in two appearances (one start) against them.
Kuroda had a rare hiccup in an otherwise stellar season in Tuesday’s 3-2 setback at the Chicago White Sox, permitting three runs on a season-high nine hits over seven innings. The 38-year-old, who is second in the American League in ERA, gave up one more run in the outing than he yielded in five July turns combined. Kuroda will try to rebound from his first loss since June against the Angels, against whom he is 2-2 with a 2.67 ERA in five career starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles CF Mike Trout has reached base safely in each of his last 33 games, the longest active streak in the majors.
2. Alex Rodriguez’s first home run of the season Sunday was only the fifth one hit by a Yankees’ third baseman this season, tied with the Angels for the fewest homers at that position in the AL.
3. Including the postseason, Los Angeles is 6-17 over its last 23 games in New York.
PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Angels 3