Pettitte and powerful Yankees try for sweep of Angels

Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - Andy Pettitte will attempt to improve the New York Yankees starters' record to 17-0 on the season tonight, when he faces the defending World Champion Anaheim Angels in the finale of their three-game set at Edison Field. A win tonight would give New York its first three-game sweep in Anaheim since May 4-6, 1990.

The Yankees' starters have recorded wins in 20 straight regular-season decisions dating back to last season, breaking the previous AL record of 18 set by the 1906 Chicago White Sox. New York is still three wins short of the major league record posted by the 1916 New York Giants.

On Wednesday, Roger Clemens maintained the starting rotation's dominance, giving up just two runs and five hits over eight innings of action. Clemens struck out six in the 9-2 win, as the Bronx Bombers won their seventh straight game and extended their franchise-best record to start a season to 18-3.

Alfonso Soriano had four hits and two runs scored in the winning effort for the Yankees. Jorge Posada went 3-for-5 with four RBI for the Yankees in the victory.

Raul Mondesi, Posada and Soriano all homered for the Yankees, who have totaled 43 home runs in their first 21 games. Only the 2000 St. Louis Cardinals hit more homers in that span with 50. Bernie Williams added three hits and a pair of RBI in the win.

Soriano extended his hitting streak to 11 games and Mondesi now holds a 10- game streak.

The Yanks will hand the ball to veteran lefty Andy Pettitte this evening, Pettitte has won three of his four starts this year, including a victory over Minnesota last week, The 30-year-old limited the Twins to just six hits and two runs over 7 1/3 innings, while fanning seven and walking two.

Pettitte has been very successful against the Angels in his career, posting a 10-5 record with a 3.62 ERA. The twirler has allowed 136 hits and 53 earned runs over 131 2/3 innings of work versus Anaheim.

New York placed relief pitcher Antonio Osuna on the 15-day disabled list with a groin injury and purchased the contract of Al Reyes from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday.

Anaheim will try to salvage the series with Ramon Ortiz on the hill. Ortiz has split four decisions this season, including a loss to Seattle last week. The Dominican allowed six hits and six runs over 7 2/3 frames, while fanning four and walking three in the defeat.

Ortiz has registered a 1-1 mark with a 5.66 ERA against the Yankees in his career. The righthander has surrendered 40 hits and 22 runs over 35 innings of action versus New York.

Mickey Callaway (1-2) got the loss after giving up six runs -- four earned -- in 4 2/3 innings on Wednesday. He also walked four Yankee batters and gave up three home runs.

Adam Kennedy went 3-for-4 with a run scored for the Angels, who have lost seven of their last nine overall, including three straight at home. Tim Salmon extended his hitting streak to 12 games.

Anaheim was without the services of reliever Francisco Rodriguez, who left the team to attend his grandmother's funeral in Venezuela. The Angels brought up 40-year-old reliever Rich Rodriguez from Triple-A Salt Lake. Rodriguez pitched in the game and gave up one run in 1 1/3 inning.

Anaheim won the ALDS, 3-1, over the Yankees last season. The Yankees actually took the 2002 regular season series, winning four of seven meetings. Over the last two-plus years, New York owns an 9-7 advantage, including a 5-4 edge in Anaheim.

Anaheim is 6-5 at home this season, while the Yankees are 11-1 on the road. New York is in the midst of a 10-game road trip.

04/24 17:31:36 ET