Rivera Not Sharp in Ninth, Yankees Lose to Angels

In heart-breaking loss Friday night, the New York Yankees lost to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 1-0.

Simply put, this game was an old fashioned pitcher's duel.

Sidney Ponson for the Yankees pitched seven innings of shutout ball, giving up only two hits along the way. He walked four and struck out one.

Ervin Santana went for the Angels. Santana was stellar, throwing eight innings of shutout ball and surrendering five hits. He walked two batters and struck out four.

The game had virtually no offense until the ninth inning, however there were a number of outstanding web gems in the field.

For example, Robinson Cano hit a ball that ricochet off Santana, but shortstop Maicer Izturis recovered the ball and threw out Cano for a 1-6-3 put out.

Melky Cabrera had an outstanding catch in center field, robbing the Angels of extra bases.

In the ninth, Mariano Rivera came into the game to try and hold the game scoreless. He failed as Torii Hunter hit a single to score Reggie Willits who pinch-ran for Mark Teixeira.

Francisco Rodriguez got Alex Rodriguez, Jason Giambi, and Robinson Cano out in order in the bottom of the ninth to end the game.

Santana got the win and improves to 12-5 on the season.

Rivera lost and his record now stands at an even 4-4.

Francisco Rodriguez notched his 45th save of the year.

After the Bombers play the Clippers in the Old Timer's Game tomorrow afternoon, the Yankees will play game three against the Angels at 3:55 ET.

Mike Mussina (13-7, 3.56 ERA) will take on Jered Weaver (9-8, 4.11 ERA).