The New York Yankees couldn't ask for a better pitcher to start a decisive Game 5, and CC Sabathia is thrilled to have the opportunity to be the team's starter with the season on the line against the Baltimore Orioles

Sabathia has earned his role as the team's ace, and his answer was predictable when asked after Game 4 how he feels about the pressure of starting a do-or-die playoff game.

It's time to go, like I said. This is a one‑game playoff, and this is what we play for. We're here in the Bronx at home, and like I said, I'll be excited and ready to go.

Sabathia said he was well rested despite Thursday night's late finish and Friday's early start time. He went 8.2 innings allowing only two runs in his first start of the series, and hasn't lost a game in any of his last seven postseason starts. However, when asked about his past postseason performance, he chose to focus on the work ahead.

It means absolutely nothing. Tomorrow is tomorrow. Games are in the past. You've always got to drop the last one and look to the next one, and that's what I'm doing.

Here's the full clip of Sabathia's talk with the media:

The team that wins Friday's Game 5 at Yankee Stadium advances to the ALCS, where they'll face the Detroit Tigers.