The Yankees finally got the rally monkey off their back(s) and won a game in Anaheim, squeaking by the Angels 6-5.

Curtis Granderson hit a three-run home run in the third inning, Robinson Cano hit a two-run dinger – also in the third and Nick Swisher hit a sac fly to score the go ahead run in the sixth inning to help the Yankees finish the West Coast portion of this nine-game road trip with a 4-2 record.

The win snapped the Angels’ eight-game winning streak and also ended a two-game mini losing streak by the Yanks.

Ivan Nova looked shaky but still earned his sixth win of the season. He lasted six and two-third innings, gave up five earned runs on eight hits and gave up a home run to Mark Trumbo who finished the game 3-4 with that home run and three RBI. That one at bat without a hit came at the perfect time, the end of the game.

Rafael Soriano picked up his sixth save of the season giving up one hit and one walk in his one, somewhat frightening, inning of work. He walked Alberto Callapso ahead of Albert Pujols who hit an infield single. The Angels had two on and only one out. As the drama unfolded, Yankee fans thought to themselves, “We’ve seen this movie before.” Thankfully tonight’s movie ended happily for Yankee fans with Torii Hunter grounding into a fielder’s choice for the second out and Trumbo flying out to left.

The Yankees have an off day tomorrow then travel to Detroit to finish up this extended road trip. Oh and guess what? They’re now only 1.5 games out of first place in the American League East. Considering how bad they’ve been in May, that’s pretty good.

Well, that sucked. The Yankees’ five-game winning streak is no more thanks to a walk off home run by Mark Trumbo in the bottom of the ninth to help lead the Angels to 9-8 victory.

Maddie is not amused

The Angels lost starter Jered Weaver 12 pitches into the game which you’d think would be to the Yankees’ advantage. Especially since the Yanks ended up scoring three runs in the top of the first inning.

Nope!

Phil Hughes apparently couldn’t pitch in front of his friends and family and wound up surrendering four runs in his half of the first inning. But still, he somehow lasted over five innings and kept the Yankees within striking distance. You know, by not giving up 12 more runs…

And wouldn’t you know it? The Yankees came all the way back on a game tying RBI double by none other than Russell Martin in the seventh inning.

With the game tied 8-8, things were looking good until the bottom of the ninth when Trumbo ended the game.

As usual there were missed opportunities for the Yankees hitters but what can you do? You just dust yourself off and come back tomorrow, or later today in the case of Yankee fans on the East Coast. Thanks to the wacky scheduling this game ended at 12:45am EST. Can you try and schedule a day next year guys? Some people – not me – have to work in the morning.