Professional sports handicapper Jeff Grant previews the second contest of a weekend series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium

New York came into its series against Los Angeles on a season-high-tying four-game road winning streak, but dropped a 3-2 contest Friday night at Angel Stadium. The Yankees still own sole possession of first place in the American League East over Boston despite falling to 23-4 on the season when limiting the opposition to three-or-fewer runs. The club’s 45-55 record versus the Angels since 2000 is its only losing mark versus any AL team over that span. Including the postseason, New York has dropped 25 of 35 meetings at tonight’s venue. Bouncing back from a loss has been something the Bronx Bombers have done well this season in posting a 14-9 record after falling in defeat.

Yankees starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia is 6-3 with a 2.98 ERA in 12 starts this season and is entering on a three-game win streak. Over those particular three outings, New York has outscored opponents 25-7, while he has allowed just five runs and 20 hits over 25 innings of work. The Bronx Bombers have won six of his last eight starts overall. Sabathia has garnered a 4-2 record and 2.53 ERA in six road starts this season, allowing just two home runs in 42 2/3 innings. He brings in a 5-7 record and 4.72 ERA in 14 career starts versus the Angels, marking his worst winning percentage (.417) against any opponent other than the Yankees (.111).

Los Angeles snapped a two-game losing streak in the first game of a nine-game homestand, but has still scored three or fewer runs in 14 of its last 27 games. The Angels will be glad to see second baseman Howie Kendrick return to the lineup, who was batting .322 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs before straining his right hamstring on May 26. “It’s just about getting back on the field now and get back into a rhythm,” Kendrick stated. “I’m ready to go.” He will be anxious to get in the batter’s box against Sabathia, compiling eight hits in 12 career at-bats. Entering the series, the Angels were outhitting the Yankees .326 to .252 when the teams face off. Los Angeles is 110-84 at home the past three years.

Angels starting pitcher Ervin Santana is 3-4 with a 4.34 ERA in 12 starts this season and is comes in on a two-game winning streak. Los Angeles has actually won his last three outings overall, as the offense has provided 23 runs of support. The right-hander has posted a 2-3 record and 3.56 ERA in six home starts, issuing just nine walks while striking out 37 in 43 innings of work. Santana enjoyed a solid May, registering a 2-1 mark and 3.79 ERA in six outings compared to a 1-3 record and 4.89 ERA in six April appearances. He will be making his 11th career start versus the Yankees, entering with a 5-3 record and 5.55 ERA, including an 0-1 mark and 6.94 ERA in two outings last year.

Bettors will likely back the Angels due to their 10-2 record in Santana’s last 12 homes starts versus a team with a winning record, while the Yankees are 1-4 in their last five games versus a right-handed starter.
 

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