Yankees win rubber game with HRs

The Yankees scored all five of their runs on home runs Sunday afternoon, including Johnny Damon’s three-run shot in the eighth inning with two outs down 3-2.  That was set up by two straight infield singles after Robinson Cano’s solo home run in the inning.

Joba Chamberlain (2-1) struggled in the first inning once again.  But like he did against Boston, he settled down afterward pitching six innings, striking out five.  In the first inning, Chamberlain gave up a three-run home run to Aubrey Huff.  Huff proceeded to pump his fist and first base and when he reached home, an obvious jab at Chamberlain.  Chamberlain never retaliated.

He now has a 13.50 ERA in the first inning, which is something that needs to be addressed immediately.

The Yankees had a brief 1-0 lead after the top of the first.  Mark Teixeira hit a solo home run to right center, his seventh of the year.

Mariano Rivera settled down after his recent struggles, pitching a scoreless ninth to record his sixth save of the season.  Phil Coke pitched scoreless seventh and eighth innings, allowing only one hit.

The Yankees are off tomorrow before traveling to Toronto for a three-game series against the Blue Jays.