Eight is great

The winning streak is now at eight games, as the Yankees bats did the talking this afternoon. After Joba Chamberlain out-pitched Josh Beckett last night, the Yankees scored 10 times and recorded 13 hits to defeat Boston for the second straight day.

Andy Pettitte gave up two runs in the first inning, but he settled down after that. He was given the lead in the fourth inning and didn't look back. He gave up three runs (one earned) over six innings, striking out seven and walking three.

Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera each had two hits, while Robinson Cano had three hits. This was his seventh multi-hit game in the eight games since the All-Star break. He hit his ninth home run and 22nd double of the season, driving three runs in in the process and taking his batting average up to .270.

Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte made their Yankee debuts this afternoon. Nady reached base twice (a walk and a hit by pitch) and Marte struck out David Ortiz, the only batter he would face, in a big spot in the seventh inning.

Jose Veras walked a batter and allowed a hit while only retiring one batter. However, Marte and Ramirez got out of the seventh inning without allowing a run. Ramirez went on to pitch a scoreless eighth and David Robertson pitched a perfect ninth to finish the game.

Sidney Ponson and Jon Lester will pitch the finale tomorrow night.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)