Newcomer Scott Kazmir also crumbled in his second straight postseason start for the Angels, allowing six hits and four walks while barely making it through four innings.
After holding the Angels to four hits over eight innings in Game 1, Sabathia pitched on three days’ rest for the first time this season, but he’s no stranger to extra assignments. He pitched very well on short rest four times for Milwaukee last season while carrying the Brewers into the playoffs, though he struggled once he got there.
Sabathia also would be in position to pitch Game 7 on four days’ rest if necessary — but unless the Angels awaken, it’s more likely he’ll be fresh for the World Series opener next Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.
New York took the series’ first two games at home, including a 13-inning thriller in Game 2. Los Angeles won 5-4 in 11 innings in Game 3, overcoming a three-run deficit and blowing a late lead before Jeff Mathis’ winning RBI double.
In Game 4, the Yankees finally slowed a team-wide 3-for-35 slump with runners in scoring position with Cabrera’s fourth-inning single, which highlighted a three-run burst that began with Rodriguez’s slide home under a tag.
Cabrera later added a two-run double in the ninth — but Sabathia already had everything he needed even before Rodriguez homered on reliever Jason Bulger’s second pitch in the fifth.
Kazmir yielded six hits and four walks while working incredibly slowly. He kept New York scoreless until the fourth, when Rodriguez led off with a single. After Jorge Posada laced a double just inside the left-field line, Robinson Cano grounded to second with one out, but Rodriguez slid in underneath Howie Kendrick’s high throw to the plate.
Notes: The Yankees already announced plans earlier in the day to put some World Series tickets on sale online Wednesday. ... Kazmir appeared to pick Swisher off second base moments after Cabrera’s RBI single, but umpire Dale Scott ruled him safe. ... Morales was 3 for 24 in the postseason until his drive to center in the fifth.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
DeMarco: Plug in a well-heeled ownership group and negotiate one of those mega-bucks TV deals that are going around, and the Dodgers could become the west coast version of the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox.
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