Disgrace

Death, taxes, and a Yankee loss in Angel Stadium - those seem to be the only sure things in life. With today's 14-8 debacle, the Yankees have now lost 16 of their last 21 games out west, dating back over the last several seasons.

Today's culprit was again the pitching staff. Yankee starter Andy Pettite, usually solid on the road, got lit up like a Christmas tree. He lasted just 4 1/3 innings, and surrendered six earned runs. The bullpen was not much better either, higlighted by Phil Coke's eight inning where he surrendered four earned runs,and all but ended the Yankee chances at a comeback.

For the second consecutive game, the Yankees had at least a four run lead, and blew it. Here's a stat I would love to know. When is the last time a team hit five homeruns, and lost by at least five runs? That happened tonight, as Alex Rodriguez and Eric Hinske each homered twice, and Hideki Matsui homered once in the eight inning.

What was so frustrating watching this game was the poor pitching and inability to make key plays in big spots. Down 9-4 after six, the Yankees actually made a game of it, cutting into the Angel lead and making it a 10-8 game heading into the bottom of the eight. But then Phil Coke came in and stunk up the joint. A few wild pitches, an error, and timely Angel hitting put the nail in the coffin for the bombers.

I don't know why the Yankees can't beat the Angels in Anaheim. I don't think Joe Girardi knows either. It's up to C.C Sabathia to figure it out tomorrow.

(Photo courtesy of the Associated Press/Chris Carlson)