Aceves stars in relief, propels Yanks to first place

Andy Pettitte left with lower back stiffness in the sixth inning with runners on first and second, no outs and a 2-0 count.  Alfredo Aceves came in to protect the Yankees’ 3-0 lead.  He walked the batter, struck out Kelly Shoppach on a nasty curveball, induced a sacrifice fly and got Asdrubal Cabrera to ground out to end the Indians’ threat.

Aceves would go on to pitch two more innings, allowing only one hit in the process to save the Yankees from using any other relievers.

Pettitte walked five in his five innings and didn’t have his best stuff at all.  But he only gave up one earned run, and the three runs the Yankees scored over the first three innings were enough.  Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher had the RBI for the Yankees.

Mariano Rivera recorded his 10th save of the season.  This was the 58th time that Rivera saved a win for Pettitte, setting a new major league record.

With the Red Sox’s loss, the Yankees have sole possession of first place by a half-game.

CC Sabathia makes his return to Cleveland tonight at 7:05.  Fausto Carmona will oppose him on the mound.