(Best E Casino) - John Lackey tries to follow up one of the best efforts of his career this afternoon when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim try to win their four-game series with the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

Lackey, who has won three straight and eight of his last nine decisions, carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning on Tuesday in Boston before giving up a single to Dustin Pedroia, which was followed by a Kevin Youkilis two-run home run to spoil the shutout. Lackey then got the final two outs to improve to 9-2 on the year, while lowering his earned run average to 2.93.

The 29-year-old right-hander is 4-7 lifetime against the Yanks with a 4.81 ERA in 13 starts.

New York will counter with righty Darrell Rasner, who is 5-8 with a 4.92 ERA. Rasner was charged with the loss on Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles, as he allowed four runs and eight hits in six innings.

Rasner has never faced the Angels.

The Yankees ended Los Angeles' five-game winning streak on Saturday, as Jose Molina went 3-for-3 with a homer and three runs scored, helping New York to an 8-2 win. Bobby Abreu also homered and drove in two runs for the Yankees, who won for just the second time in their last six tries.

Wilson Betemit added two hits, including a two-run homer, and Alex Rodriguez added a solo shot.

Mike Mussina (14-7) picked up his third win in four starts, holding the AL West leaders to two hits and two runs -- one earned -- over seven innings, fanning five with two walks.

Jeff Mathis was credited with the lone run for the Angels, who lost for only the second time in their last 11 games.

Jered Weaver (9-9) suffered the loss, allowing eight hits and six runs over five-plus innings along with a season-high four home runs.

Los Angeles was without outfielder Torii Hunter, who will likely miss today's game as well after attending the funeral of his grandmother on Saturday in Arkansas. Shortstop Maicer Izturis could also miss today's tilt with a sprained left thumb.

The Angels won six of nine from the Yanks last season, including four of six in New York.