Angels Force Game 6

Anaheim-- The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim defeated the New York Yankees 7-6 in Game 5 of the ALCS to force a Game 6 in New York. The Angels struck quickly, scoring four runs in the first inning before Yankees' pitcher A.J. Burnett was able to get an out. However, Burnett settled down and was able to pitch effectively up to the seventh inning. Angels' pitcher John Lackey pitched a great game, pitching 6 2/3 innings. He allowed three runs. The Yankees scored those three runs because Lackey left them on base when he was taken out. Angels' pitcher Darren Oliver replaced him and gave up a 3 RBI double to Mark Teixeira.

The Yankees ended up tying the game at four from Hideki Matsui's RBI single that drove home Teixeira. The Yankees added two more that inning from Robinson Cano's two RBI triple. The Angels weren't done yet. They proceeded to get three runs in the bottom half of the inning. Vladimir Guerrero hit an RBI single with the game at 6-5 to tie it at six. Kendry Morales followed that with an RBI single of his own, giving the Angels a 7-6 lead. The Yankees loaded the bases in the top of the ninth with two outs, but Nick Swisher popped out to end the game. Game 6 is Saturday night in New York.

This loss by the Yankees probably brings back memories of 2004, when they blew a 3-0 series lead to the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. The Red Sox went on to win that World Series. The Yankees have Andy Pettitte going up against Joe Saunders, so that should be a good battle. Saunders pitched well in Game 2 in New York as they lost in extra innings. Pettitte pitched well in Game 3 against the Angels, making one mistake when allowing the two run home run to Vladmir Guerrero to tie the game. I believe the Yankee bats will come alive early in this one, and Pettitte will be solid enough to edge out a victory.