MLB ALCS Game 6 – Los Angeles Angels at New York Yankees

The Los Angeles Angels (102-68 SU, 94-75 RL, 86-76-7 O/U) made my selection in the BetUS locker room cash in for those who followed my advice, winning Game 5 in another nail-biter, 7-6 on Thursday night and now head to the Bronx for Game 6 of their ALCS showdown against the powerful New York Yankees (109-61 SU, 94-76 RL, 79-82-9 O/U).

Los Angels jumped all over the Yankees on Thursday night, scoring four runs in the first innings – before giving it all back and then some by allowing New York to put up six runs in the top of the seventh inning – before coming right back with three runs in the bottom of the seventh to record their narrow win.

Torii Hunter, Vladimir Guerrero and Kendry Morales each went 2-for-4 with two RBI in the win while Mark Teixeira came to life for New York, going 2-for-5 with three RBI for New York.

Now, the Angels will turn to southpaw Joe Saunders (16-7, 4.52 ERA) to extend their season while the Yankees counter with their own southpaw in veteran, Andy Pettitte (15-8, 4.08) as they seek to close out the Halos.

Saunders tossed seven strong innings in New York in Game 2., allowing two earned run on six hits in L.A.’s 4-3 loss in extra innings.

Pettitte was fairly solid in Game 3 for New York, allowing three earned runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings, but went a mediocre 6-4 with a 4.59 ERA at home this season.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends and MLB Odds, followed by my in-depth analysis and expert MLB Free Picks.

• Angels are 5-2 in their last 7 road games.
• Angels are 2-8 in their last 10 playoff games as an underdog.
• Angels are 5-2 in Saunders' last 7 road starts.
• Yankees are 4-0 in their last 4 playoff home games.
• Yankees are 7-1 in Pettitte’s last 8 starts as a favorite.
• Over is 5-0 in Pettitte’s last 5 home starts vs. Angels.
• Yankees are 6-2 in Pettitte’s last 8 home starts vs. Angels.
• Over is 19-9-1 in the last 29 meetings.
• Angels are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.
• Yankees are 1-6 in Pettitte’s last 7 starts vs. Angels.
• Angels are 1-7 in the last 8 meetings in New York.

• Los Angeles Angels +1½ -130
• Joe Saunders –L +160
• New York Yankees -1½ +110
• Andy Pettitte –L -190
• Over 9 -115
• Under 9 -105

The Starters: Joe Saunders has gone 2-0 over his last three starts with a solid 3.50 ERA while Andy Pettitte has gone 1-1 with a respectable 3.71 ERA over his last three starts.

Analysis: I know the Yankees have the most prolific lineup in the American League, but I’m going to take the Los Angeles Angels to win this contest for two reasons with the first being the fact that New York manager Joe Girardi is about as dumb as a box of rocks – and his team has been winning in spite of him, not because of him.

Were Joe Torre still managing this ballclub, this series would have likely been over by now, but hey, that’s New York’s problem.

I also like the fact that the Angels now have some momentum going and will be facing a pitcher in Andy Pettitte that is nowhere near the dominating hurler that he once was.