Yankees at Angels
Much like prized free-agent acquisition Albert Pujols, the Los Angeles Angels got off to a wretched start to the season. And, much like Pujols, the Angels are hitting their stride as the second month of the season winds down. Los Angeles will go for its ninth consecutive victory and a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees on Wednesday. Pujols hit a two-run homer, his fifth in eight games, and Mark Trumbo went deep for the third straight game in Tuesday's 5-1 victory over the Yankees.
After losing in walk-off fashion in Monday's series opener, New York had its chances in Tuesday's game, only to see cleanup hitter Robinson Cano strike out twice with the bases loaded and strand seven of the team's 12 runners. Alex Rodriguez had three hits but he has managed only three homers in May - and two came in one game. Derek Jeter had two more hits to give him an American League-leading 70.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, ESPN2, YES (New York), FS West (Anaheim)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Ivan Nova (5-2, 5.46 ERA) vs. Angels RH Ervin Santana (2-6, 4.45)
Nova beat the Angels in April, allowing four runs in six innings. At the time, it stretched his his winning streak to 14 games since losing at Los Angeles on June 3, 2011. He has been a different pitcher this season, mainly because of his propensity for serving up the long ball. Nova has given up eight homers in his last five starts and 12 on the season, including a pair against the Angels.
After losing his first six starts of the year, Santana appeared to be turning things around, going 2-0 and allowing three runs in his next three outings. He took a step back last time out, lasting five innings and walking a season-high seven batters in receiving a no-decision against Seattle. He has struggled against New York, logging a 5-6 record and 5.70 ERA in 13 starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pujols' homer was the 453rd of his career, moving him past Carl Yastrzemski and into 34th place on the all-time list.
2. The Yankees fell to 0-11 when they fail to hit a home run.
3. Angels reliever Ernesto Frieri has struck out 25 and not allowed a hit in his last 12 appearances.