Thanks to yet another New York comeback, this first-round series is the only one to go the distance in 2005. The winner Monday faces the Chicago White Sox in the AL championship series.
Trying to knock New York out of the playoffs for the second time in four seasons, the Angels built a 2-1 series lead on airtight defense and a deep bullpen.
This time, both betrayed them.
With the Yankees trailing 2-1, Robinson Cano reached on an infield single to start the seventh and Posada drew a one-out walk from losing pitcher Scot Shields.
Sierra, batting for No. 9 hitter Bubba Crosby, grounded a sharp single to right and Cano scored standing up despite a strong throw from Guerrero, leaving runners at the corners. Jeter, at the center of so many big moments for the Yankees, topped a slow bouncer to third, forcing Chone Figgins to charge the ball. Figgins, who made a couple of outstanding defensive plays earlier in the series, bounced a wide throw to the plate, and the slow-footed Posada barely beat it without a slide. Catcher Bengie Molina argued the call, as did Angels manager Mike Scioscia.
Winning pitcher Al Leiter got Darin Erstad to ground into an inning-ending double play in the seventh. With the season on the line, Rivera got six outs for his record 34th career postseason save and second of the series.
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