Wang, Matsui Lead Yanks Past Rays

Damon's heads-up play drives Phillies to brink of elimination

(AP) - Alex Rodriguez hit a go-ahead, two-out double in the ninth inning off Brad Lidge and the Yankees beat the Phillies, 7-4, tonight in Philadelphia to claim a 3-1 lead in the World Series. Joba Chamberlain opened the door for the Phillies, yielding a homer to Pedro Feliz with two out in the eighth to tie the score at 4, but A-Rod, Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera pulled it out as the Yankees moved within one win of their elusive 27th championship. More»

AL-leading Tampa batters Kennedy

(NEWSER) - Scott Kazmir sparkled in his first start since agreeing to a $28.5 million contract extension, and the surprising Tampa Bay Rays dropped the New York Yankees into last place with a 5-2 victory Thursday. Kazmir allowed three singles in six scoreless innings, and Akinori Iwamura and Shawn Riggans homered off Ian Kennedy for the AL East-leading Rays. More»

(NEWSER) - Gabe Gross singled with no outs in the 11th inning to drive in the first run Mariano Rivera has allowed all season, giving Tampa Bay a 2-1 victory over the New York Yankees and sending the Rays into first place in the AL East. Cliff Floyd began the 11th with a single and pinch-runner Jonny Gomes stole second before Gross delivered the winner. More»

Rasner throws six-plus solid innings

(NEWSER) - Derek Jeter hit his first homer of the season, Darrell Rasner pitched six-plus strong innings and the New York Yankees ended a six-game losing streak to the Detroit Tigers with a 5-2 victory Saturday. Rasner (2-0) gave up two runs and four hits, departing after Magglio Ordonez's leadoff single in the seventh. More»

(NEWSER) - Jason Giambi and the sluggish New York Yankees suddenly turned sluggerish. The Yankees played home run derby last night, with Giambi, Johnny Damon, Robinson Cano and Wilson Betemit connecting in a 6-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians. Mike Mussina (5-3) pitched five innings for his fourth straight win and earned his 255th career victory. Mariano Rivera closed the game for his ninth save. More»