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Lackey holds down Yankees and Angels sweep

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-07-13 10:44

ANAHEIM, Calif: John Lackey pitched seven solid innings and the Los Angeles Angels knocked around CC Sabathia to complete a sweep of the New York Yankees with a 5-4 victory Sunday.

New York Yankees' Brett Gardner slides after being forced out at second, as Los Angeles Angels second baseman Maicer Izturis looks to first during the third inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 12, 2009, in Anaheim, Calif. Derek Jeter was safe at first, and a run scored on the play. [Agencies]

Lackey (4-4) quickly worked through the Yankees lineup, allowing two runs on six hits. The Angels'ace struck out six in one of his most efficient starts since missing the first six with a forearm strain.

Sabathia (8-6) gave up five runs and struck out six in six 2-3 innings against the Angels, who have won eight of their last nine meetings against the Yankees in Anaheim.

Brian Fuentes struck out Alex Rodriguez for the final out and earned his 26th save in 29 chances.

Sabathia, who was 5-1 with a 2.33 ERA away from Yankee Stadium entering the game, was solid through three innings. He got help from Rodriguez and Robinson Cano on two double plays to get out of the first and third, but he gave up four runs in the fourth.

Bobby Abreu and Howie Kendrick had RBI doubles and Brandon Wood and Robb Quinlan added RBI singles.

The Yankees finished 3-3 on their road trip before the All-Star break.

Los Angeles tacked on another run in the seventh when Maicer Izturis hit an RBI single.

New York tried to rally in the seventh and the eighth, but the Angels got out of bases-loaded jams twice.

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Jorge Posada drove in runs in both innings to cut the Angels'lead to 5-4, and the Yankees looked like they could do some damage with none out in both situations.

But Los Angeles got stellar defensive plays to end both innings.

Lackey struck out Mark Teixeira and Chone Figgins turned a double play on Rodriguez to halt New York and get the crowd roaring in the seventh.

Darren Oliver fielded pinch-hitter Nick Swisher's line drive cleanly and turned it into a double play by getting Melky Cabrera out at first to end the eighth.