The Yankees lost their third straight game Monday night by a score of 12-1, taking a beating from the Angels in more ways than one. The Yankees now trail Boston by 9.5 games and Tampa Bay by 10.

Carl Pavano struggled in his fourth start of the season, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits in 5 and 1/3 innings. The bullpen wasn't any better, as Dan Giese, Edwar Ramirez and Chris Britton allowed a combined 6 earned runs.

I guess the real story of the game was the 6th inning, when benches cleared after a skirmish began between Pudge Rodriguez and Torii Hunter after a play at the plate. Pudge apparently became infuriated after being (seemingly) accidentally shoved by Hunter in the back. Rodriguez took a swipe at Hunter and missed, and both benches emptied out. Both Rodriguez and Hunter were ejected.

A scary moment came shortly after, when Dave Eiland passed out briefly in the dugout. Eiland was reportedly up and moving around in the clubhouse afterwards, so he seems to be ok. "Unknown" sources are reporting that Eiland reportedly fainted after seeing the Yankees finally record an out.

The Yanks will go at it again in Anaheim tonight, as Alfredo Aceves will be making his first major league start. Ervin Santana will be on the mound for the Angels. Official start is 10:05 ET.

EDIT: Yikes, misinformation alert. Last night's loss by the Yankees was their second straight and third in four games, not their third in a row.