Angels' Lackey To Start ALCS Game 1

Angels manager Mike Scioscia announced his rotation for the AL championship series on Wednesday, selecting John Lackey to start Friday night's Game 1 against CC Sabathia and the New York Yankees.

Lackey pitched 7 1-3 innings to lead Los Angeles to a 5-0 win over the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the division series. He is 3-3 with a 3.02 ERA in 12 career postseason games, 10 starts.

Scioscia revealed his four-man rotation following a morning workout at Angel Stadium that preceded the team's flight to New York.

Left-hander Joe Saunders will start Game 2 against A.J. Burnett on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. Jered Weaver, the Angels' Game 2 pitcher in their sweep of the Red Sox, will pitch Game 3 against Andy Pettitte when the series shifts to Anaheim on Monday.

Scott Kazmir, acquired Aug. 28 from Tampa Bay, will start Game 4 in Anaheim _ most likely against Sabathia.

New York manager Joe Girardi announced Tuesday he was leaning toward a three-man rotation, and weather could be a factor in his decision.

"I'm hearing a lot of rain. We may face Sabathia seven times," Scioscia joked. "We might play just one game a week. I don't know."