Angels vs. Yankees: New York Has Won 13 of Its Last 14 Home Openers

The New York Yankees (3-3) are set for their 2012 home opener against the Los Angeles Angels (2-4) on Friday afternoon inside Yankee Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:05 ET.

Las Vegas oddsmakers have established the Yankees as minus-140 favorites, while the total has moved up a half run in the early wagering to 9.5.

New York will get to enjoy an off day before starting this highly anticipated three-game American League series, which could actually be a hindrance.  The club is just 19-23 after receiving a day off the last two-plus seasons.

The Yankees bounced back from suffering a three-game sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays to open the season, tallying a sweep of their own versus the Baltimore Orioles.  It's important to note that the team captured the final two games in that series in extra frames.

Hiroki Kuroda (0-1, 6.35 ERA) is definitely pitching under a different type of pressure in his first year in the Bronx, suffering an 8-6 road loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on April 7. He acknowledged the bright lights of pitching in the Big Apple in a recent MLB.com article:

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"I try not to have that get to me," Kuroda said. "I signed with the Yankees, and that was all part of the package."

 

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The right-hander is certainly familiar with Friday's opponent due to his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, posting a 1-2 record and 2.45 ERA in three starts in the Freeway Series.

Bettors will be interested in knowing that the Bronx Bombers have won 10 of their last 14 home games against the Angels.

Los Angeles was unable to hold a six-run lead in suffering a 10-9 road loss to the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Thursday, as the team dropped two of three games in its first road trip of the year.

The Angels will now seek revenge from losing a season series against the Yankees for the first time since 2003, as they dropped five of nine meetings in 2011.

First baseman Albert Pujols has never played in the new Yankee Stadium, as he faces an opponent that has won 13 of its last 14 home openers. He enters the series hitting .217 with two RBIs in six games played.

Ervin Santana (0-1, 7.94 ERA) isn't known for coming out of the gates fast in his career, posting a 42-41 record and 4.50 ERA in 109 career starts before the All-Star break.  The 29-year-old is 45-27 with a 3.95 ERA in 98 outings (95 starts) after the Midsummer Classic.

Santana suffered a 7-3 home loss to the Kansas City Royals on April 8, allowing six runs (five earned) and seven hits over 5.2 frames. He also served up two home runs, which has been a problem that has plagued him in surrendering 53 big flies in the last two years.

The right-hander may have a problem of keeping the ball inside this particular venue, as he's allowed 18 home runs in 71.1 career innings versus the Yankees.

It's important to note that the Angels are 27-8 in his last 35 starts when opening a series.

A perfect day for baseball is expected in the Bronx, with game-time temperatures in the mid-60s and a northwesterly breeze of 5-10 mph (in from right).