An unlikely hero...twice

ANAHEIM, CA - For the second game in a row, Maicer Izturis drove in the winning run as the Halos beat the New York Yankees, 2-1. That left LA (79-65) just 2 12 games behind Texas (82-63) in the division race - just two out in the all-important loss column. Jered Weaver didn't win his 17th game, but did lower his league-leading ERA to 2.44, striking out 11 Yanks and keeping alive his Cy Young Award candidacy after two shaky outings. Following the Friday night win, two numbers become increasingly important: 18 and 3. The Angels have 18 games left to play and the final three games of the season against the Rangers in Anaheim. It's time for the Halos to make their move right now says Vernon Wells, who had the key hit in the bottom of the ninth to move pinch runner Jeremy Moore into scoring position. "We definitely need to get on a roll because time is closing in on us," said Wells, who has struggled mightily all season long. "We've got to keep coming out and playing good baseball, because that's a good baseball team over there. But we have to take advantage of opportunities when they're presented to us and tonight we did. "It's always fun to play the Yankees, especially when these are pivotal games for both of us." Wells also threw down the gauntlet for himself and his teammates. "The next two games are the two most important games we're going to have all season. We need to come out with great pitching from (Dan) Haren and Ervin (Santana) and not worry about what the Rangers are doing. If we win, the other stuff will take care of itself." And if you're a member of a Mike Scioscia-managed team playing the Yankees, your chances of coming away with a win are pretty good. Since Scioscia took over the managerial duties in 2000, the Angels are 65-56 against New York, the best winning percentage of any team in the American League against the Bombers. However, it isn't a number the Halo skipper is giving much credence right now. "Well, that's the furthest thing from my mind," Scioscia said. "We know what we need to do to reach our goal - win. You're going to have a tough game every night on the schedule and you've got to bring it every day and concentrate on how (we're) playing the game. Thinking we're going to win just because of past history against the Yankees is ridiculous. They're a very good team, loaded with power, they run the bases well and they play good defense. And when you have to face a guy like C.C. Sabathia (Saturday) night, you better realize you're in for a battle. 'They're a team that can definitely win the whole thing." Centerfielder Curtis Granderson, who leads the AL with 109 RBI and is second with 38 home runs, naturally agrees with Scioscia's assessment. "We're very good. We're very confident," said Granderson, in his second year with the Yankees. He was acquired from Detroit in a three-team trade that saw CF Austin Jackson go to the Tigers as part of the package. Pitcher Ian Kennedy ended up in Arizona and is a 19-game winner, turning out to be one of the few trades that worked out for all teams involved. "We've put in the work, and we know the work is going to translate once we get out on the field. That's the important thing, when you realize the payback for putting in all the hours and the hard work is really there, and you can trust in it. That's when your instincts and ability can just take over and we can be at our best. "That's where everybody is at right now." On both the Angels and the Yankees. NOTES The Yankees and Boston have both dropped three in a row, with the Yankees maintaining their 2 12 game lead over the Red Sox in the AL East. CC Sabathia will be going for his 20th win of 2011 Saturday, facing the Angels Dan Haren (14-8), which would be the second time he's hit the 20-win mark in his career. He was 21-7 last year, his only 20 win season...Rookie C DH Jesus Montero hit his third homerun in just 20 at bats. He's been on base nine times-seven hits and two walks...Halos' rookie outfield phenom Mike Trout is expected back in the lineup to face Sabathia. The Angels are 20-4 in games started by the 2011 Minor League Player of the Year...The Angels' walk-off win was their 10th of the season, second best in the AL behind Cleveland, Tampa Bay and Kansas City.