Yankees crush Angels; move to within one win of World Series

October 21, 9:21 AMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the MLB Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Sabathia delivers in Game 4

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

The New York Yankees moved to within one win of capturing the 2009 American League pennant and earning their first trip to the World Series since 2003 behind an excellent pitching performance from CC Sabathia. The Yankee offense also showed up in force, exploding for 10 runs against Angels pitching.

It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Yankees lose this series. They are getting great starting pitching from Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Andy Pettitte. Sabathia has been especially dominant, and even if the Angels manage to steal two wins and tie up the series, it’s likely they would have to see the Yankee ace once more. If there’s a weak spot on the Yankee staff, it might be their bullpen after Mariano Rivera. Nobody else in the Yankee pen has much playoff experience, which can sometimes force manager Joe Girardi into some awkward matchups.

As great as the Yankees’ pitching has been, their offense has perhaps been even better. Alex Rodriguez has been on fire this postseason, notching four homers and nine RBI in the two series’ thus far. Veteran playoff performers Johnny Damon and Jorge Posada have both led the way in the ALCS with timely hits, and Derek Jeter has continued to lead with his bat (and glove) in the 2009 postseason.

Do the Angels have a chance in this series? While it’s difficult to see them winning, it’s also hard to count them out completely. Veteran John Lackey will take the mound on Thursday night in Game 5, looking to build on his playoff resume that began when he was called upon to pitch Game 7 of the 2002 World Series. Perhaps most importantly though, is the Angels’ need to get their bats going. Regular season heroes Juan Rivera, Bobby Abreu, and Kendry Morales are all hitting under .200 in the ALCS. If these guys don’t get it going very soon, the Angels’ won’t have a prayer in the 2009 ALCS.
 

Check out Examiner's 2009 MLB Postseason coverage