Mike Scioscia’s lineup amassed a .315 team average against Joe Girardi’s hurlers this year, and no other team was even close, with the Indians ranking second at .287.
In 10 regular-season games against the pinstripes, the Halos bashed 18 doubles, five triples and nine homers. They stole 17 bases and struck out just 65 times, constantly putting pressure on New York’s defense.
Four of the Angels’ everyday starters ranked among the top 20 hitters against the Yankees this season, and seven were in the top 32. Mike Napoli led the way at .500/.633/.909, but Kendry Morales, Erick Aybar, Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu and Howie Kendrick all posted batting averages over .300 versus New York pitching.
All told, the Angels produced an average of 6.5 runs in each of their 10 games against the Yankees.
The good news for the pinstripes is that they still managed to go 5-5 in those five games. The bad news is that they were probably lucky to do so, because Girardi’s lineup averaged a run less (5.5) per contest than Scioscia’s. In other words, the Yankees simply cannot allow the Angels to strut their stuff that way during the upcoming ALCS.
And that makes CC Sabathia’s Game 1 start all the more crucial. Sabathia was excellent in his ALDS start against the Twins, allowing just two runs (one earned) in 6 2/3 innings while striking out eight and answering most of the lingering questions about his ability to pitch in October. However, the burly left-hander also allowed just one run in seven innings during his lone regular-season start against Minnesota, and was torched twice by the Angels for 10 total runs (nine earned) in 13 1/3 combined innings.
Sabathia was 0-2 with a 6.08 ERA against Anaheim this season, and every Angels starter was able to figure him at some point in those two starts. Although the Halos did not hit a home run against him, they collected 17 hits — including four doubles and a triple — with each one of their everyday players getting in on the action at least once. Maicer Izturis and Kendrick each had three hits. Abreu and Figgins both notched a pair. And with the exception of Gary Matthews Jr., who likely won’t see an at-bat in the ALCS, no Angel hitter struck out more than once.
If Sabathia is able to tame the Angels lineup and deliver a victory in the series opener at Yankees Stadium on Friday, he will set the tone for the remainder of the pennant fight. Otherwise, fans in the Bronx better prepare for an arduous and unfavorable battle.
