Game recap: Yankees vs. Angels 5/27/07

Reports of the demise of Yankees starting pitcher Mike Mussina have been greatly exaggerated, for now. However, the demise of the 2007 Yankees is very real after being swept at home by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Yankees lost a disappointing game on Sunday by a score of 4-3, and are now 12 games back of the first place Boston Red Sox, pending this afternoon's outcome.

Mussina pitched a great 6 1-3 innings before being taken out of the game with 95 pitches, while leading 2-1, after surrendering a one out walk to Casey Kotchman, the Angels first baseman.

Scott Proctor relieved Mussina and promptly gave up a double to Howie Kendrick. Proctor followed this by walking Mike Napoli and then pinch hitter Erick Aybar, scoring Kotchman. Proctor's control problems continued to the next hitter, Chone Figgins, whom also walked.

Proctor was awarded the loss.

Brian Bruney came in next and induced a sacrifice fly to Reggie Willits. Aybar was tagged out trying to advance to third base.

The Yankees scored two runs, both off the bat of struggling backup catcher Wil Nieves, in support of Mussina. After the fourth inning, the Yankees could not score until the ninth inning, but they did have their chances.

The Yankees left 12 runners on base, including a runner at third in the ninth inning when Derek Jeter flew out.

John Lackey shut down the Yankees offense over eight innings, striking out four while only allowing two runs. Francisco Rodriguez got the save after making the ninth inning a little interesting.

With this loss, the Yankees fell to 21-27 and will travel to Toronto for a three-game series. Matt DeSalvo will get the start on Monday. The Yankees are only ahead of three teams in the wild card race, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Kansas City Royals, and Texas Rangers. Great company, indeed.

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