The Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees close out a three-game American League series Thursday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.
Los Angeles dropped a 9-3 contest Tuesday night against New York and will need a win this afternoon to move its record to 14-1-1 over the last 16 series. Since the 2000 season, the Angels are still 56-48 versus the Yankees, which makes them the only team to hold a winning record over the Bronx Bombers over that span. It’s still important to point out that the club has dropped 12 of the last 16 meetings in the Bronx. Los Angeles is 24-15 in day games this year and 88-50 over the last three campaigns.
Angels starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood is 6-8 with a 4.10 ERA in 21 starts this season and has dropped consecutive games against the Tigers and Mariners. The right-hander has allowed 11 runs and 15 hits over 11 2/3 innings over that span. He has enjoyed some success on the road, posting a 4-2 mark and 3.91 ERA, surrendering three home runs in 53 frames. Chatwood has thrived under the sun this year, going 5-1 with a 2.43 ERA in nine daytime starts. The rookie will be making his first career start versus the Yankees.
New York moved its home record to 38-23 with last night’s win and will be looking to continue dominating foes during the day in the series finale. The Yankees are a Major League-best 31-8 in day games this year, as the pitching staff leads the AL with a 2.96 daytime ERA. Outfielder Curtis Granderson continues to put up MVP-type numbers, hitting his career-best 31st home run in the 9-3 win Wednesday. The club is still focused on the division, sitting 1.5 games back of Boston in the AL East race. New York is 44-36 versus right-handed starters this year.
Yankees starting pitcher Bartolo Colon is 8-6 with a 3.33 ERA in 20 appearances (17 starts) this season. The right-hander has led the team to three consecutive wins, as he’s given up six runs and 19 hits in 19 2/3 combined innings over that span. Colon will be making his 10th appearance (eight start) at home this afternoon, bringing in a 4-3 record and 3.86 ERA. In 16 lifetime outings versus the Angels, the veteran is 8-5 with a 3.98 ERA, including a 5-3 road win on June 5 (5.1 IP, 3 ER).
At the time of this writing, the New York Yankees are -190 home favorites and the total is set at 9.5 Under (-120)