"The bottom line is it's never over until the last out," said Jeter. "If you've done something before, you always think you can do it again."
New York (72-56), which remained tied with Oakland for the American League wild card lead, moved a season-high 16 games over .500.
"I think when we saw that window of opportunity on the double play, we felt we had a chance," said Rodriguez.
White Sox 4, Mariners 3
In Seattle, Jose Contreras (9-7) pitched into the eighth inning and Jermaine Dye hit a two-run homer, leading Chicago past Seattle.
The AL Central-leading White Sox won their fourth in a row and beat the last-place Mariners for the sixth time in eight games this season. The Mariners fell to a season-worst 20 games under .500.
Dontrelle Willis beat Greg Maddux to tie for the Major League Baseball lead with his 18th win, driving in the tiebreaking run when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the Florida Marlins' 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs 2-1.
Willis (18-8) allowed one run and six hits in 7 1-3 innings, struck out six, walked one and hit one batter. He matched Chris Carpenter of St. Louis for the big league lead in victories and tied the Marlins' season record, set by Carl Pavano last year. Florida moved within a half-game of Philadelphia, the National League wild-card leader.
"It's a great feeling," Willis said. "It's definitely a team effort. You have to have lot of things go your way. Today I was hit and that ended up being the winning run. I've been very fortunate to stay healthy and stay strong."
Cardinals 6, Nationals 0
In Washington, Jason Marquis (10-13) pitched a two-hitter for his first career shutout, ending a seven-start losing streak. Marquis struck out three and walked none.
St. Louis scored four runs in four innings off Matt White (0-1).
Washington remained 2 1/2 games out in the wild-card race.
RSS