Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run home run in the ninth as the New York Yankees staged a dramatic comeback to beat the World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 on Saturday.
Rodriguez’s homer tied the game and Melky Cabrera capped the rally with a game-winning single off Phillies closer Brad Lidge (0-2), who blew his third save in 11 opportunities this season.
“We had the last punch,” Rodriguez told reporters. “We’re at home and we feel very comfortable here.”
PHOTO: AP
The Yankees have now won 10 of their last 11 games after losing the opener of the three-game interleague series to the Phillies on Friday night.
Lidge converted all 48 save opportunities last season — including the post-season — but he got into trouble right away after coming on in the ninth.
Johnny Damon walked, stole second and after Mark Teixeira struck out, Rodriguez blasted a full-count pitch over the right field wall for his seventh home run of the season.
Robinson Cano followed with a single, stole second and easily scored without a throw to the plate on Cabrera’s hit.
Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel said there was nothing physically wrong with his ace reliever.
“Give them credit. He made some pitches and they hit ‘em,” Manuel said.
Rodriguez has just 10 hits and is hitting a paltry .204, but he has hit six home runs in his last eight games after missing the first 28 games of the season following hip surgery.
“Right now I’m probably the happiest .200 hitter in baseball,” Rodriguez said.
Raul Ibanez hit a solo shot, his 17th of the season, before John Mayberry Jr hit a three-run home run in his first major league game to put the Phillies 4-1 up in the fifth.
“It was incredibly exciting,” Mayberry said. “You can’t draw it up any better than this. It’s been a long time coming, but what a thrill to hit it in this park.”
Jose Veras (3-1) got one out in the eighth for the win and Derek Jeter also homered for the Yankees.
Saturday’s interleague results:
• Cardinals 5, Royals 0
• Rangers 6, Astros 3
• Mets 3, Red Sox 2
• White Sox 4, Pirates 0
• Braves 4, Blue Jays 3
• Twins 6, Brewers 2
• Rockies 4, Tigers 3
• Orioles 2, Nationals 1
• Rays 10, Marlins 3
• Indians 7, Reds 6
• D’backs 8, Athletics 7, 11 inns
• Giants 5, Mariners 1
• Padres 3, Cubs 1
• Dodgers 5, Angels 4, 10 inns
Saturday’s National League result:
• Padres 3, Cubs 1
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