Come To Think Of It: Rainouts May Benefit Angels in ALCS

The torrential downpours in the Bronx won't likely affect the New York Yankees starting pitching plans, but it could benefit the Angels. For if the series goes to a seventh game, expect John Lackey to become available.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said veteran lefty Andy Pettitte will still be on the mound on Sunday for a game six, while some are clamoring for CC Sabathia. Pettitte owns four series-clinching wins among his 15 career postseason victories: both tied for the most in baseball history.

It's an interesting decision as Sabathia, who is 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA in three playoff outings this year, would be pitching on normal rest.

"Andy has pitched in a ton of big games in his career. We just like him in this spot," Girardi said. "We're going to stick with Andy and give CC an extra day...The extra day we think could physically help him."

Game 6 of the AL Championship Series between the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees was postponed because of rain Saturday. The game was rescheduled for 8:20 p.m. Sunday at Yankee Stadium.

New York leads the best-of-seven series 3-2 and needs one victory to clinch its 40th pennant and reach the World Series for the first time since 2003. Game 7, if necessary, will be Monday in New York at 7:57 p.m.

If the Angels can push the series to a seventh game, the rain-out could benefit them. No. 1 starter John Lackey , who took a shutout into the seventh inning in Game 5, could be available to pitch on three days' rest.

Lackey allowed three earned runs on six hits and three walks and also struck out seven in six and two-third innings in his last start. But he is certainly their best starter.

"We've got to get there, guy,'' Lackey said when asked whether he could start a possible Game 7. "I'll be available [in Game 6 in relief], that's all I know.''

Can the Angels come back from what was a 3-1 deficit? I don't think so. Especially in the Yankees' house.

Meanwhile, Torii Hunter thinks the pressure is on the Yankees.

"They're one game away from clinching, and I know if we were up 3-1 or 3-2, we would want to get it done. That's a lot of pressure,'' he said, adding the Angels felt more pressure when they led Boston 2-0 in the ALDS than they do now.

So while the extra day off may benefit the Angels in the long run, the long run may never happen, come to think of it.

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