Another "I'll take it" victory

The Yankees, despite recording 14 hits, barely scratched out a victory against the Oakland Athletics at the Stadium this afternoon.

They left 21 runners on base and very nearly lost after Mariano Rivera gave up the go-ahead run with the score tied in the ninth.

Here's how the ninth went: Jason Giambi led off with a walk. Justin Christian, who was pinch running for Giambi, fell down tripped while trying to steal second and was tagged out. Jorge Posada grounded out. Robinson Cano doubled to left-center. Wilson Betemit singled to left-center to score Cano.

In extra innings, the Yankees led off each inning with a single to center. However, they were only able to score on a Jose Molina bases loaded hit by pitch in the 12th inning.

Joba Chamberlain was solid again today, allowing one earned run over six innings while striking out six. He left with a 2-1 lead, but Jose Veras imploded in the seventh. He walked two and allowed two hits, but only one run scored.

Aside from Rivera allowing a run, Kyle Farnsworth, Edwar Ramirez (two innings pitched, four strikeouts) and David Robertson each had scoreless outings. Big congratulations go out to Robertson, as he recorded his first career Major League victory.

Cano was the hitting star. He went 4-for-6 with two runs scored. Derek Jeter, Betemit, Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner also had two hits apiece.

The Yankees will look to sweep the A's tomorrow afternoon. Andy Pettitte and Justin Duchscherer will square off at 1:05 p.m.

(AP Photo/Ed Betz)