Yankees Hold On Tight to Beat Red Sox

Coming off back-to-back losses to the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees held on to beat Boston Saturday afternoon, 2-1.

The Yankees turned to Mike Mussina to stop the bleeding, and he certainly did. Mussina lasted six innings, allowed no runs on four hits, walked one, and struck out five.

Boston starter Justin Masterson also turned in a good game. Masterson went six innings, gave up two earned runs on six hits, walked two and struck out two.

The Yankees jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning, getting a two-out RBI single from Melky Cabrera. Jason Giambi scored the first run of the game.

The Yankees struck for another run in the bottom of the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly and RBI from rookie left fielder Brett Gardner. Wilson Betemit scored the Yanks' second run.

Boston threatened in the bottom of the ninth. With Mariano Rivera on the mound, the Red Sox loaded the bases.

Mike Lowell knocked in a run, cutting the Yankees' lead in half to make the score 2-1.

However, Rivera was able to wiggle out of the jam, getting Julio Lugo to strike out swinging to end the game and give the Bronx Bombers a much-needed win.

On another side note, this game featured seven hit-batsmen. Alex Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, and Jose Molina were each plunked from the Yankees. Kevin Youkilis and Manny Ramirez (hit three times) absorbed welts for the Sox.

The seven HBP's ties the record for most hit-batsmen in one game. After the game, both teams clearly stated that there was no intent behind any of the pitches that hit the batters today.

Mussina matched his win total from last year with his 11th victory of the year, improving to 11-6.

Masterson took the loss and fell to 4-3.

Jose Veras and Kyle Farnsworth of the Yankees each recorded a hold, and Rivera picked up his 23rd save of the year.  

The Yankees will look for a series split tomorrow night at 8:05. The Yankees will turn to young flamethrower Joba Chamberlain (2-2, 2.22 ERA). The Red Sox will go with veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (5-6, 3.72 ERA).