Saunders lifts Angels over Yanks

ANAHEIM, California – Joe Saunders pitched into the ninth inning as Los Angeles prevented New York from wrapping up a playoff spot with a 5-2 victory Monday night in a matchup of division leaders.

Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter hit consecutive RBI doubles off Yankees starter Andy Pettitte, and Kendry Morales added a pinch-hit homer.

The Angels reduced their magic number to six for clinching their third consecutive AL West title. The Yankees, who have dropped six of 10, could have secured a postseason spot with a win or a Texas loss at Oakland. The Rangers beat the Athletics, 10-3.

Los Angeles has won four of five and remained a season-best 7½ games ahead of Texas.

Saunders (14-7) gave up two runs and seven hits in 8 1-3 innings, struck out three and walked none in winning his fifth consecutive decision and sixth in his last seven.

Brian Fuentes got two outs for his 44th save.

Pettitte (13-7) allowed three runs and five hits in six innings, struck out three and walked two in losing for the first time in 10 starts.

At Oakland, California, David Murphy had three hits and drove in two runs to help Texas hang on to its slim playoff hopes in a 10-3 decision over the Athletics. (AP)