Rain washes out ALCS Game Six in New York
2009-10-25

People Andy Pettitte Event 2009 MLB Clubs Los Angeles Angels Philadelphia Phillies Source (Reuters)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Persistent rain in New York forced the postponement of Game Six of the American League Championship Series between the Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday.

The game was called off around two hours before its scheduled game time and has been rescheduled for Sunday with an 8:20 p.m. start time (0020 GMT). Game Seven, if necessary, would be played on Monday with first pitch at 7:57 p.m.

The Yankees lead the best-of-seven series 3-2, needing one more victory to reach the World Series against National League champion Philadelphia Phillies.

New York manager Joe Girardi said he was sticking with left-hander Andy Pettitte as his Game Six starter, even though the rainout meant that ace CC Sabathia would have been available to take the mound on full rest.

Los Angeles skipper Mike Scioscia said he was keeping his pitching options open in the potential elimination game for the Angels, who are expected to start left-hander Joe Saunders.

"Andy will pitch tomorrow night," Girardi told reporters. "CC has been great, but Andy will pitch tomorrow."

BIG GAMES

Pettitte, tied with John Smoltz for most career postseason wins with 15, has a 6-1 record in ALCS competition.

"Andy has pitched in a ton of big, big games in his career," Girardi added. "We just like him in this spot."

Scioscia said he would have preferred to play Saturday and did not like all the off-days that the playoffs have endured but noted that the postponement might give him more available arms in the bullpen.

"Guys are ready," Scioscia said. "I can only tell you guys in our clubhouse are ready to play. I'm sure it's the same way in the other clubhouse."

Asked if the rainout might benefit one club over the other, Scioscia said: "I think it benefits both teams certainly for resetting the bullpens. It's going to give us some more options to look at.

"We still have our whole staff out there for tomorrow."

Scioscia would not comment on the possibility of bringing ace John Lackey, who started Thursday's Game Five, back on short rest for a deciding seventh game on Monday.

"We'll get through Game Six," he said. "There's no sense talking about a Game Seven."

(Editing by John O'Brien)