The Yankees were able to take the final game of their abbreviated three-game series with the Rays, as four home runs in the game by the Bombers helped them to a 5–3 win and a series victory over their A.L. East rivals. The Yanks are now a full game ahead of the Red Sox going into their three-game set in Fenway beginning tomorrow.

The Yankees jumped ahead in the 1st via a solo shot by Mark Teixeira, who now leads the American League with 18 home runs. A two-run homer by Nick Swisher in the 3rd made it 3–0.

The Rays were able to tie the game up in the 4th, however, as they got an RBI single by Michel Hernandez and a two-run blast from Gabe Kapler to even things up against Andy Pettitte. Andy labored a bit in his 6 innings of work, but was able to escape with allowing only 3 runs on 5 hits.

The Yankees went ahead for good in the 6th after a solo home run by Johnny Damon put the Yanks back on top, and Derek Jeter gave his team some insurance in the bottom of the 8th with a home run of his own. All five Yankee runs tonight came via the home run.

Mariano Rivera pitched in his third straight game and retired the Rays in order for his 14th save of the season.

The Yankees will be heading into Fenway tomorrow night for another series with their arch nemesis(es). The Yanks are 0–5 against their rivals, despite being ahead after 26 defensive outs in the first contest and having a 6–0 lead in the second. For the other 32 innings or so the teams have played against each other, the Sox have dominated. A.J. Burnett will try to get that turned around tomorrow night against Josh Beckett and the Red Sox. Game starts at 7:05 ET.

Recap records: Patrick: 16–7, Seamus: 14–11, Andrew: 4–5