Yankees Extend Winning Streak, Sweep Friars

The New York Yankees defeated the San Diego Padres 2-1 on Thursday afternoon.

Yankees' starting pitcher Joba Chamberlain tossed 100 pitches in 5.2 innings, surrendering one run on four hits, walking three, and striking out a season-high nine batters.

One of the bigger plays of the game took place in the second inning. Chamberlain threw a pitch that got by catcher Jose Molina. Adrian Gonzalez attempted to score from third base, but Chamberlain rushed to cover home plate and successfully tagged Gonzalez, saving a run.

In the top of the fourth inning, however, San Diego successfully got on the board. Former Yankee Tony Clark hit a ground rule double scoring Brian Giles, giving the Friars a 1-0 lead.

The Bombers evened the score at one in the bottom of the fifth. After two successful steals of second and third base, Melky Cabrera scored on a sac fly by Molina.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Yankees delivered the eventual death blow. After Derek Jeter stole second base and Bobby Abreu moved him over to third with a groundout, Alex Rodriguez smacked an RBI single putting the Yankees ahead 2-1.

The Yankee bullpen once again held the game. Jose Veras, Kyle Farnsworth, and Mariano Rivera went a combined 3.1 innings and allowed no runs on one hit.

Veras, who came into the game for Chamberlain, recorded his second win and is now a perfect 2-0 on the season. Farnsworth also recorded a hold.

The Bombers also handed Padres' starter Josh Banks his first loss of the year, and his record is now 2-1.

Rivera pitched in his third consecutive game and recorded his 20th save.

The Yankees will now open up a three game weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds. The series will feature the return to the Bronx of Ken Griffey Jr., who has not played in Yankee Stadium since his days with the Seattle Mariners.

Tomorrow night at 7:05 ET, the Yankees will start Mike Mussina (10-4, 3.87 ERA), who is tied for the lead in the American League in wins.

The Reds will start their young flamethrower Edinson Volquez (9-2, 1.64 ERA), who is leading the majors in strikeouts with 105.