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Yankees recover in Indians series

Joe Crede, bottom, of the White Sox, is safe at home as the ball gets away from Athletics catcher Damian Miller during the third inning in Chicago, Thursday. PHOTO: AP

Gary Sheffield had three runs batted in to reach 100 for the seventh time Thursday, as Alex Rodriguez hit a three-run homer and Jon Lieber (10-8) pitched seven shutout innings to lead the New York Yankees over Cleveland 9-1 for their second straight win over the Indians.

With its American League East lead over second-place Boston cut to 3 1/2 games from 10 1/2 on Aug. 16, the Yankees have faced a torrent of questions this week, especially following Tuesday night's 22-0 loss to the Indians.

"A game like that can wake you up," Sheffield said. "We looked like we were just trying to get the schedule over with. We got a wake-up call. Now we've got a pennant race going."

The Yankees rebounded with a 5-3 victory Wednesday, then quickly broke on top Thursday when Jorge Posada hit an RBI single in the first and Rodriguez hit his 33rd homer to cap a five-run second against Cliff Lee (10-7).

Steve Karsay, sidelined since the end of the 2002 season with back and shoulder injuries that needed operations, received a big ovation when he was introduced in the ninth inning. Karsay allowed a home run on his first pitch to Victor Martinez, who reached 100 RBIs for the first time. Karsay then struck out Travis Hafner and Casey Blake, and retired Ben Broussard on a popup.

Miguel Cairo also homered for the Yankees, giving him homers in consecutive games for the first time in his career.

Red Sox 4, Angels 3

In Boston, Derek Lowe pitched effectively into the eighth inning as Boston took control of the AL wild-card race by beating Anaheim for its season-high ninth straight victory.

Bill Mueller homered off Bartolo Colon (13-11) and Johnny Damon had three hits to help the charging Red Sox complete a three-game sweep and win for the 15th time in 16 games. They moved 4 1/2 games ahead of the Angels in the wild-card chase and remained only 3 1/2 behind the AL East-leading Yankees.

Boston has won 10 straight games at Fenway Park and is 7-0 on its 10-game homestand. The Red Sox have swept each of their last three series at home. The last time that happened was April 19-May 4, 1994.

The Angels fell four games behind AL West-leading Oakland.

Athletics 4, White Sox 2

In Chicago, Mark Redman pitched seven strong innings and Billy McMillon homered to lead Oakland past Chicago.

Redman (10-10) became the fourth Oakland pitcher to reach double digits in wins, allowing four hits and two runs. He retired his final 13 batters, and the AL West-leading A's won for the 14th time in 16 games.

Carl Pavano moved into a tie for the National League lead with his 16th win Thursday, helping the Florida Marlins gain ground in the wild-card chase with a 9-6 victory over the New York Mets.

Damion Easley and Juan Encarnacion each drove in three runs for the Marlins, who swept the four-game series and have won seven in a row overall.

They'll have to wait at least a couple days to get back on the field after Friday night's series opener against the wild-card leading Chicago Cubs was postponed due to Hurricane Frances. No decision had been made on whether to call off games Saturday or Sunday, or when Friday's postponement will be made up.

Rookie third baseman David Wright homered twice for the free-falling Mets, who have lost six straight and 11 of their past 12 games, ending their homestand at 1-10. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the Mets' worst homestand of 10 or more games since their first season in 1962.

"Obviously, it's bittersweet," Wright said. "It's exciting that I do get the multi-home run game, but I'd much rather have the win. Definitely one of my best games. I fixed a few things in my swing, and I feel really good."

Pavano (16-5) allowed four runs and eight hits while striking out six in six-plus innings. The Marlins are 2 1/2 games behind Chicago for the wild-card spot.

Dodgers 8, Diamondbacks 4

In Phoenix, Adrian Beltre hit his 43rd homer and Milton Bradley, who'll leave the team briefly following the death of his grandfather, doubled in the go-ahead run off Shane Nance (1-1) in the eighth inning to give Los Angeles a win over Arizona.

Errors by second baseman Scott Hairston and shortstop Jerry Gill led to three more Los Angeles runs in the eighth -- all unearned. Steve Finley homered in the ninth to make it 8-4.

Rockies 6, Giants 5

In San Francisco, Vinny Castilla hit a two-run homer, Matt Holliday drove in two runs, and Colorado beat Jason Schmidt and San Francisco.

Joe Kennedy (7-6) pitched effectively into the eighth inning as the Rockies won their second straight game.
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