Hideki Matsui's 2-run homer in the seventh inning helped the Yankees to avoid a sweep by the Angels. Matsui's homer was his 17th of the year and came at a crucial time. The Yanks were trailing 1-0 in a pitching duel between Mike Mussina and Jarrod Washburn for the Angels. The Moose only gave up that one run in the 1st inning, and it was a manufactured one at that.

The Angels threatened in the bottom of the seventh with two men on and one out, Erstad hit the ball directly to A-Rod who was covering the base. A-Rod stepped on the bag and threw the first for the inning-ending double play. They also threatened in the eighth against Tom Gordon, who was relieved by Mariano Rivera. Rivera was able to make short work of Maicer Izturis by making him hit into another inning-ending double-play. Mo pitched a scoreless ninth, and obtained his 25th save of the season.

By winning todays game, the Yankees pulled to within 1.5 games behind Boston. The Yanks were 6-5 on this road trip, and by the high caliber teams played with most of their starting pitching hurt, the Yankees should clearly see this as a positive.

Next game is Tuesday night back home at the Stadium. The Yankees Randy Johnson (10-6, 4.18 ERA) takes on the Twins Brad Radke (6-9, 3.92 ERA).