The Los Angeles Angels withstood a late fightback by the New York Yankees to post a 7-6 triumph in game five and keep alive the best-of-seven American League Championship Series.

The Yankees could have ensured a World Series return with victory at Angel Stadium but the hosts had other ideas and secured the win which reduced their deficit to 3-2 and forced game six in New York on Saturday.

The Angels had looked in complete control after Torii Hunter's two-run single helped them establish a 4-0 advantage by the end of the first inning.

But the Yankees turned the match on its head in the seventh. Mark Teixeira had a three-run double, Hideki Matsui singled to level at 4-4 and then Robinson Cano's two-run triple put New York 6-4 ahead and on course for a 4-1 series win.

There was one final twist, however. Vladimir Guerrero's single tied the match and then Kendry Morales struck a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to drive in the winning run for the Angels.

The series resumes in New York on Saturday, with the winners set to contest the World Series with Philadelphia. The Phillies clinched the National League Championship Series 4-1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.