Andy Pettitte Gets Win as New York Avoids Sweep Against Reds

The New York Yankees were able to stop the Cincinnati Reds Sunday afternoon, defeating them 4-1.

Yankees' starter Andy Pettitte successfully played the role of the stopper today. Pettitte pitched six innings, scattered four hits, gave up no runs, walked two and struck out four. Pettitte also had a pickoff, nailing Reds' catcher David Ross at first base.

The Yankees scored their first run in the bottom of the fifth, getting an RBI from Robinson Cano.

With the Bombers leading 1-0 going into the bottom of the sixth, the skies opened up and the rain poured on Yankee Stadium, prompting a 56-minute rain delay.

When the rain stopped, the Yankees scored three more times in the bottom of the sixth. With Hideki Matsui and Derek Jeter on first and second respectively, Jason Giambi hit an opposite-field double to left, scoring both Jeter and Matsui.

Jorge Posada followed with a double, scoring Giambi and giving the Yankees a 4-0 lead.

In the top of the eighth, the Reds struck for their sole run of the game. Ken Griffey Jr. shot a solo homer off Kyle Farnsworth for his first home run in Yankee Stadium since May of 1999, and his eighth round-tripper of the season.

As Junior rounded the bases, he received a standing ovation from the Yankees' home crowd. 

The Yankees brought in closer Mariano Rivera in the eighth inning with two outs to attempt a four-out save. Rivera got the call after Farnsworth was forced to leave the game with an apparent hand injury after attempting to field a ground ball.

Rivera answered the call and slammed the door, giving the Yankees the win to avoid a weekend sweep.

Pettitte improved his record to 8-5. Reds' starter Johnny Cueto took the loss, falling to 5-8. Rivera picked up his 21st save. 

With the win, the Yankees will head into an off day tomorrow and travel to Pittsburgh. They will open up a three game series against the Pirates Tuesday night at 7:05 in PNC Park. The Yankees will start Darrell Rasner (4-4, 3.64 ERA). For the Pirates it will be Tom Gorzelanny (5-6, 6.59 ERA).