MLB Preview 2012: Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Yankees

The Los Angeles Angels (48-39) and New York Yankees (53-33) will continue a three-game American League series on Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:05 ET

Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees

New York 2B Robinson Cano has hit safely in a season-high 16 games

Los Angeles blew just its second save in its last 29 games, suffering a 6-5 setback to New York on Friday night inside Yankee Stadium. The Angels possess the best reliever combo in baseball from a statistical standpoint, but setup man Scott Down picked the wrong time to have his worst outing of the 2012 campaign. “It’s been almost a no-brainer all year,” commented Angels outfielder Mark Trumbo. The club has dropped 16 of its last 21 contests in the Bronx. Los Angeles is 14-13 in day games, with the “under” going 17-9 in those affairs.

Angels starting pitcher Jerome Williams (6-5, 4.46 ERA) suffered three straight losses before he landed on the disabled list with shortness of breath on June 19, giving up 16 runs (14 earned) and 22 hits in 16.2 innings over that span. The right-hander is 1-3 with a 5.70 ERA in six road games (five starts), issuing 18 walks and striking out 24 batters in 36.1 innings of work. In his only career effort against the Bronx Bombers, Williams suffered an 11-5 setback on this mound on April 15, giving up five runs and five hits over 2.2 frames.

New York received a big night from first baseman Mark Teixeira, hitting two home runs and driving in five, but catcher Russell Martin was the hero with a game-winning RBI single. “It’s a good way to start the second half,” stated Martin after the game. The Yankees have the best record in baseball and have built an eight-game lead in the AL East race. Second baseman Robinson Cano is the player to watch offensively, batting .385 with five home runs and 16 RBIs over his season-high 16-game hit streak. New York is 17-8 in day games this year.

Yankees starting pitcher Freddy Garcia (3-2, 5.23 ERA) earned a 6-1 road victory over the Boston Red Sox in his last effort, giving up one run and six hits over 6.2 frames. The right-hander is 1-2 with a 7.13 ERA in eight home outings (two starts), with opposing hitters batting .329 against him. In 27 career starts versus the Angels, Garcia has tallied a 15-3 record and 2.59 ERA, serving up just 10 home runs in 191 combined innings.