The Yankees’ best chance at a comeback against Santana was ended on a disputed call in the fifth inning. With runners on first and second and two outs, Robinson Cano swung at a third strike in the dirt. Cano ran to first and catcher Bengie Molina’s throw got past Erstad, apparently loading the bases for Williams. But plate umpire Joe West called Cano out for running inside the baseline, prompting an unsuccessful argument by Torre.

“The rule states that he has to stay in that running lane during the last half of the distance, which he was not,” West said. “So whether the ball hit him or not, he interfered with Erstad trying to catch the ball.”

Anderson’s second-inning home run started the comeback against Game 1 winner Mike Mussina after New York had taken a 2-0 lead in the top half.

Kennedy, the No. 9 hitter who was MVP of the 2002 ALCS, lined a triple to right-center with two outs in the second. Sheffield, in right, and center fielder Bubba Crosby collided hard and hit the wall trying for the catch. Two runs scored as the Angels went ahead 3-2, and the Yankees never recovered.

“I don’t think either one of us could hear each other call it. I don’t think either one of us knew we could catch it until right at the last minute,” Crosby said. “It was one of those gray areas. He put it right in the right spot. Sheff is aggressive, I’m aggressive and we collided.”

Anderson added a sacrifice fly in the third, and Erstad’s infield grounder also drove in a run. One out later, the 42-year-old Johnson relieved to face Steve Finley — the first relief appearance for the Big Unit since beating the Yankees in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series for Arizona.

Mussina lasted only 2 2-3 innings for his shortest career postseason outing.

“It’s not the three-run homer, it’s the little stuff that happens,” he said.

Colon, who returned to California on Saturday, got out of his first-inning trouble when he struck out Matsui with two on. But he was replaced after 23 pitches by Santana, who hadn’t pitched since winning 7-4 at Texas on Oct. 2, the final day of the regular season.

Santana had some control problems at the start and allowed an RBI single to Crosby and Jeter’s sacrifice fly, but “had flashes of brilliance,” Scioscia said.

“He’s our secret weapon,” Angels shortstop Orlando Cabrera said.

New York stranded 11 in the game, continuing its yearlong problem of hitting with men on base.

A-Rod, just 2-for-17 in the final four games of last year’s ALCS collapse against Boston, went 2-for-15 (.133) with no RBIs. Sheffield, 1-for-17 during last year’s final four games, finished the series 6-for-21 (.286) with no extra-base hits and two RBIs.

While the Yankees headed home to pack for another early winter, the Angels hurried to get organized for the next round.

Los Angeles was the first AL team to clinch a playoff berth — a Sept. 27 win by Santana at Oakland — and was determined to forget about losing three straight to Boston in the ALDS last October. This team hasn’t been as strong offensively as the 2002 Angels, but Los Angeles has made up for it with strong pitching and defense — the best Scioscia’s had during his six seasons as manager.

“This one,” Kennedy said, “definitely has a little more talent.”

Notes: The Angels are 14-5 in postseason play at home since 1982. ... Williams appeared in his record 120th postseason game. ... Doctors think LHP Jarrod Washburn, scratched from his Game 4 start because of a throat infection and a high fever, has strep throat and his status for the next round was unclear. ... Anderson’s homer was the fourth of his career off Mussina. ... Colon will be re-evaluated Tuesday and Scioscia hopes he can pitch in the ALCS. “It’s too early to tell,” Scioscia said.

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