Yankees roll over Red Sox for eighth straight win
BOSTON (Reuters) - The New York Yankees pounded the Boston Red Sox 10-3 on Saturday to rack up their season-high eighth straight win.
The Yankees (58-45) pulled to within one game of the Red Sox (60-45) in the American League East.
"Today was a big win for us," Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez told reporters. "Tomorrow is the biggest game of the year for us. I think that's the attitude we've had the last couple of series and we need to keep that up."
This win was a complete effort for New York, which showcased new acquisitions Xavier Nady, who started in left field, and reliever Damaso Marte, both of whom were traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.
The offense got to knuckle-baller Tim Wakefield, chasing him in the sixth where New York scored four runs. Derek Jeter had an RBI single, Bobby Abreu added a two-RBI double and Rodriguez had an RBI single to give the Yankees a 7-2 advantage.
Second baseman Robinson Cano led the way with three hits and three RBIs.
Yankees starter Andy Pettitte pitched six innings and struck out seven while allowing one run in his 12th win of the season.
Left-hander Marte came on in the seventh inning and struck out left-handed slugger David Ortiz, the only batter he faced.
Ortiz had two of the Red Sox six hits and J.D. Drew added a solo home run, his 19th of the year, in the sixth for Boston.
"I don't think we're concerned. I think we've got to play better baseball," said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell.
The Yankees will put Sidney Ponson on the mound on Sunday when they bid for a three-game sweep of their arch-rivals.
(Reporting by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Ed Osmond)
