Andy Pettitte and Jason Giambi Lead Yankees as They Sweep the A's

The New York Yankees swept the Oakland Athletics today, defeating them 2-1.

Andy Pettitte started for the Yanks and spun a gem. Pettitte gave the bullpen a rest, going eight innings, allowed only one run on four hits, walked none, and struck out nine.

Oakland All-Star Justin Duchscherer was feeling a little under the weather, but felt well enough to make the start for Oakland. Duchscherer went seven innings, allowed two runs on six hits, walked four and struck out three.

New York put their first run on the board in the bottom of the third inning. With Derek Jeter on third base, Alex Rodriguez flew out. Tagging up, Jeter scored from third.

Oakland skipper Bob Geren was not convinced Jeter tagged up. He felt Jeter left third base before the ball was caught. Geren argued with third base umpire James Hoye to no avail as Jeter was ultimately ruled safe.

The A's tied the game in the top of the sixth. Ryan Sweeney hit an RBI single to score Jack Hannahan.

The Bombers would answer the A's run in the bottom of the inning. With no one on base and one out, Jason Giambi cracked a solo home run, his 20th of the season, to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead.

With the score remaining 2-1 in the top of the ninth, Mariano Rivera was called into the game to close. Despite giving up a hit, Rivera sat down the side and secured a win and sweep for the Yankees.

With the win, Pettitte improves to 11-7.

Duchscherer took the loss and falls to 10-6.

Rivera notched his 24th save of the year.

With a weekend sweep, the Yankees will open up a three-game series with the Minnesota Twins at home starting tomorrow night at 7:05 ET.

The Yankees will send Sidney Ponson (5-1, 3.96 ERA) to the mound. He will be opposed by Twins' starter Nick Blackburn (7-5, 3.65 ERA).