Game 36: Yankees win 6-3

The Yankees found their stroke, for at least one game, and the bullpen was able to hold a late lead, as the Yankees were able to stave off a sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Indians, winning 6-3 Thursday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees blasted four home runs in support of Mike Mussina, who won his fourth straight start despite giving up three runs in five innings. He was given a 3-0 lead in the fourth inning, but gave all three runs back in the top of the fifth. He was taken out after the inning, but the Yankees were able to retake the lead in the bottom half of the frame.

Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi, Robinson Cano and Wilson Betemit all hit home runs. The home run Giambi hit was off Cleveland starter Paul Byrd, making it the third time he's homered off the Cleveland right-hander this season.

Cano, in addition to the home run, hit a double, giving him his first multi-hit game since April 12 against Boston. Damon went 2-4 with two RBI. Hideki Matsui also had a multi-hit game, extending his hitting streak to 17 games and increasing his American League-leading batting average to .345.

Ross Ohlendorf pitched two scoreless innings of relief after Mussina left before the sixth inning. He struck out one batter and gave up one hits.

Joba Chamberlain rebounded from his rough outing on Tuesday. He struck out one batter in his perfect inning of relief. Control problems plagued him that night, as he walked two batters. However, he threw nine of his 12 pitches for strikes this afternoon. He also seemed extra emotional when he struck out David Dellucci, who had homered off him on Tuesday, to end the inning.

Despite giving up a double, Mariano Rivera pitched another scoreless inning for his ninth save of the year. He has now not been scored upon in his 14 innings this season.

The Yankees finally had a day getaway game. They will travel to Detroit for a three-game series that is set to begin tomorrow night. Kei Igawa will face Kenny Rogers.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)