ALCS Game 4 Pivotal Clash for Yankees and Angels

The ALCS Game 4 has a lot to do to top the NLCS Game 4 last night. But for the ALCS Game 4, the Yankees and Angels would rather not need a last-out hit, yet they likely will. The ALCS Game 4 comes on the heels of two straight extra inning thrillers, with the Yankees still holding serve. For the Angels, the ALCS Game 4 may be their last shot to prove that they can beat the Yankees. If they don't, the coronation for another Yankees pennant will begin after Game 4.

The ALCS Game 4 comes after the Yankees gave the Angels new life with a Game 3, 11 inning loss. Since then, manager Joe Girardi has been slammed by New York fans for his work with the pitching staff yesterday. With Girardi sending C.C. Sabathia out on three days rest, the ALCS Game 4 will either be Girardi's redemption, or put him in deeper trouble.

Even with a 2-1 ALCS lead, the Yankees are still heavily favored in Game 4, and in the series. Since Girardi is getting more credit for the loss than the Angels, Los Angeles still has to prove they are a threat to go to the World Series. The Angels still have to erase their poor fielding in the ALCS, and their struggles with runners in scoring position.

Game 4 of the ALCS will put Sabathia in the spotlight, as the Yankees run the risk of overworking their ace. Last year, Sabathia pitched on three days rest countless times with the Brewers, and got them to the playoffs - but ultimately couldn't deliver in the postseason.

In the 2009 playoffs, Sabathia has been almost unhittable, but fans fear that with this much work, the other shoe will drop at some point. Yet with Alex Rodriguez still on a roll, and with the Yankees getting three home runs in Game 3 - albeit solo home runs - the offense can still bail him out.

If it drops in the ALCS Game 4, the Angels will have evened the series, and will have officially become a threat again. If not, both Los Angeles teams in the playoffs will be down 3-1, and baseball fans will get ready for a Yankees-Phillies World Series. But if the Yankees and Phillies finish the L.A. teams quickly, they may have almost a week off before the World Series starts.

For now, the Yankees are focused on ALCS Game 4, and in making sure the Angels don't get any life back. The teams will get ready for yet another long night, starting at 8:07 p.m. est on FOX.

Sources

Associated Press- "Sabathia, Kazmir face off in ALCS Game 4 today" www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hA99fw_-pKQ6ZK0dk92I23DY2xpgD9BESEP00