Yankees 2, Red Sox 0: Phil Hughes Pitches New York To Series-Clinching Win

The New York Yankees finished off their three-game set at Fenway with a series-clinching win over the Red Sox on Thursday night. Phil Hughes was impressive on the mound for New York, pitching into the eighth inning and striking out seven. He gave up no runs and allowed just five hits as he kept the Yanks in it against Felix Doubront, who battled wildness, but managed to avoid a big inning. The performance by Hughes was crucial after the Baltimore Orioles walked off a winner against the Tampa Bay Rays earlier in the evening. The win keeps New York tied atop the AL East with the O's.

In addition to Hughes, Derek Jeter came through for the Yankees, providing a nice insurance RBI in the seventh on a hit that would put him No. 10 on the all-time MLB hits list with Willie Mays. Jeter singled up the middle to score Steve Pearce and push the Yankee lead to 2-0. The first Yankee run would cross in the fourth on an Andruw Jones sacrifice fly that scored Alex Rodriguez. That early score would prove to be the game-winner with Hughes dealing on the mound.

With the final series of the season at Fenway wrapped up, the Yankees now return home for a weekend against the Rays. Game 1 on Friday night will feature a battle of aces as CC Sabathia takes the hill for Joe Girardi and David Price pitches for Tampa. The Rays will be desperate after getting swept in Baltimore, which put them four games back in the AL East and the Wild Card.

For more on the Yankees, please be sure to check out our blog Pinstripe Alley and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Derek Jeter Ties Willie Mays At No. 10 On MLB Career Hits List

Derek Jeter hit a single to center in the seventh inning Thursday night against the Boston Red Sox, driving in Steve Pearce to give the Yankees a 2-0 lead. This particular hit, off Boston pitcher Junichi Tazawa, was number 3,283 in Jeter's illustrious career, which ties the New York shortstop on the all-time list with Willie Mays.

Jeter last moved up on the hit list on Aug. 22, passing Eddie Murray with hit 3,256, a first inning home run against the White Sox. Next up on the list is Athletics and White Sox second baseman Eddie Collins, who recorded 3,315 hits in a 25-year career. Paul Molitor's 3,319 hits, eighth on the all-time list, also could be in reach for Jeter during the 2012 season.

For more on the Yankees, please be sure to check out our blog Pinstriped Bible and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

New York Yankees Lineup: Derek Jeter To Start At DH

Derek Jeter will be in the lineup, batting leadoff as the designated hitter, for the New York Yankees in the series finale against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday at 7:10 p.m. ET. Jeter left the game on Wednesday night after suffering an ankle injury while attempting to beat out a double-play ground ball in the eighth inning.

The Yankees are currently tied with the Baltimore Orioles for the lead in the AL East standings. They will send Phil Hughes out to the mound against Boston. The Red Sox will counter with Felix Doubront.

Red Sox

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF

Scott Podsednik, DH

James Loney, 1B

Cody Ross, RF

Daniel Nava, LF

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C

Mike Aviles, SS

Pedro Ciriaco, 3B

Ivan De Jesus, 2B

Felix Doubront, P

Yankees

Derek Jeter, DH

Nick Swisher, RF

Alex Rodriguez, 3B

Robinson Cano, 2B

Russell Martin, C

Andruw Jones, LF

Curtis Granderson, CF

Steve Pearce, 1B

Eduardo Nunez, SS

Phil Hughes, P

For more on the Yankees, please be sure to check out our blog Pinstripe Alley and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Stick A Fork In The Yankees! The Ultimate In Analysis!

Andy Pettitte Injury Update: Pitcher Could Return From Broken Leg Next Week

Pitcher Andy Pettitte's recovery has been on schedule, and the 40-year-old starter could be ready to start for the New York Yankees as soon as next Tuesday.

Pettitte tossed a 55-pitch simulated game Wednesday, considering there are no minor league seasons still in play for the veteran to rehab in. He'll meet with a team doctor Friday, who could clear him to play, in which case he could be inserted into the Yankees' rotation.

Pettitte broke a bone in his leg on June 27, leaving a club that would coast into first place without him. Now that the AL East race is knotted, the return of Pettitte -- who had a 3.22 ERA, which would be the second-lowest of any Yankees starter behind Hiroki Kuroda -- could be vital in securing a few extra games down the stretch. Pettitte would likely take the spot of David Phelps, who is 2-1 in six starts since being moved in from the bullpen, failing to go five innings twice.

For more on the Yankees, head over to Pinstriped Bible and continue to check out SB Nation New York.

Yankees At Red Sox Preview: Game Time, TV Schedule, Probable Pitchers

After splitting the first two games of the series, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will wrap their three-game series Thursday night.

The Yankees' Phil Hughes will oppose Felix Doubront.

Hughes, making his 29th start of the season, has been consistently inconsistent throughout 2012. At 14-12, Hughes has not won or lost more than three consecutive starts, but has posted a decision in his last 10 starts dating back to July.

The Yankees defeated the Red Sox on Wednesday thanks to two home runs by Curtis Granderson.

The Red Sox may be without second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who left midway though Wednesday's game to be with his wife, who went into labor with the family's second child.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

TV: YES, MLB Network

Radio: WCBS 880, WADO 1280

For more on the Yankees, check out Pinstriped Bible. For the rival's perspective during the series, visit Over The Monster.

Yankees Vs. Red Sox: Granderson's 2 Home Runs Push New York Past Boston

The Grandyman can.

Curtis Granderson led the New York Yankees with two home runs, going 2-5 with three RBIs and two runs, while Robinson Cano added a two-run home run as New York defeated the Boston Red Sox, 5-4.

With the win, the Yankees kept pace with the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East.

The Orioles, who downed the Tampa Bay Rays in walk-off fashion, remain tied with the Yankees for the division lead.

Relief pitcher David Phelps got his fifth spot start of the season Wednesday night for New York, allowing just one run and striking out five in 5 2/3 innings pitched.

Derek Jeter limped off the field in the eighth inning after appearing to injure his leg while being thrown out on a ground ball. No official word on the severity of the injury has been reported.

The Red Sox' Cody Ross was ejected after arguing balls and strikes while striking out to end the eighth inning. The Sox were threatening, with a man on second, and looking to cut the Yankee lead in half or perhaps tie the game.

Coming to the defense of Ross, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine added his own profanity laced rant at the home plate umpire, subsequently getting tossed as well.

The Red Sox were led by James Loney, who went 2-4 with an RBI single.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia added a solo home run to open the bottom of the ninth inning.

Second baseman Dustin Pedroia left in the middle of the game to be with his wife, who was giving birth to their family's second child. Pedroia scurried off the field and into the locker room after Valentine delivered the important news.

For more on the Yankees, please be sure to check out our blog Pinstripe Alley and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Derek Jeter Injury: Captain Leaves With Ankle Issue

Derek Jeter left the New York Yankees' game against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night at Fenway Park with an apparent ankle injury.

In the eighth inning, Jeter hit a ground ball off of reliever Chris Carpenter and was in the process of trying to beat out a double-play before coming up lame as he ran past the first base bag, according to Bombers Beat.

Jeter was attended to by head athletic trainer Steve Donahue and manager Joe Girardi before he walked off the field. This could be very problematic for the Yankees since Jeter already has a balky right ankle after rolling it in Tampa Bay not long ago.

With Mark Teixeira already out and a few hitters scuffling, New York can ill-afford to see another prominent players sidleined for any extended period of time.

Jayson Nix replaced Jeter at shortstop, with Casey McGehee entering the game to play third base.

For more on the Yankees, please be sure to check out our blog Pinstripe Alley and SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Ivan Nova Set To Start Saturday, Andy Pettitte Throws Bullpen Session At Fenway

The New York Yankees pitching rotation could add some much needed depth in the upcoming days, as reports are saying Ivan Nova and Andy Pettitte could possibly return to the rotation soon. According to manager Joe Girardi, Nova is going to replace veteran Freddy Garcia and will start Saturday, while Pettitte could return to the rotation next week if he gets clearance from his doctors.

For the past few weeks, Nova (11-7, 4.92 ERA) has been out because of shoulder soreness, while Pettitte (3-3, 3.22 ERA) has been recovering from a broken left ankle since June 27.

According to reports, Pettitte tossed "60, 65 pitches" in a simulated game at Fenway Park before Wednesday night's showdown between the Yankees and Boston Red Sox. After the session, Pettitte said he'd like to return and help the Yankees win the AL East.

‘‘I did everything I needed to do. I felt good. It’s another step,’’ he said. ‘‘They felt like my stuff was great. I just don’t know what the next step is, hopefully I'll get back in the rotation. That’s what I want to do.’’

Pettitte admitted in the next few days he will make his case to the organization that he can return to the rotation, and soon.

‘‘It’s just a matter of what they’re comfortable with, with this team, knowing I can’t give you 100 pitches,’’ he said. ‘‘There’s a lot of different factors. I'm sure we'll talk about it and hopefully I can convince them. I feel great. My leg’s feeling great. Hopefully it'll be the stamina — that’s the only thing.’’

Currently, the Yankees (79-62) and Baltimore Orioles (79-62) are in a first-place tie in the AL East standings. Both New York and Baltimore hold just a two-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays (77-64) for the final AL Wild Card spot, the Oakland Athletics (81-60) currently have a hold on the first wild card spot.

For more on the Yankees, check out Pinstriped Bible. For the rival's perspective during the series, visit Over The Monster.

MLB Standings: How Much Trouble Are The Yankees In?

After being beaten by the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night, the New York Yankees once again find themselves tied with the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the American League East. Just how much trouble are the Yankees in with 21 games remaining in the regular season?

That, friends, is a really good question.

The Yankees are tied with the Orioles and just two games ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Yankees led the division by 10 games near the end of June. Yet, here we are. New York is only 4-6 thus far in September, and truthfully has not played good baseball for months now. They are 32-32 since the beginning of July.

The Yankees are beaten up, with Mark Teixeira out and a host of other players -- including slugger Alex Rodriguez and star pitcher CC Sabathia, playing now but having missed significant time. The Yankees have a make-shift lineup that doesn't score consistently, a starting pitching rotation that does not have a shut down ace (Sabathia is no longer that guy) and a bullpen where setup-man David Robertson, the eighth-inning bride to closer Rafael Soriano, is 0-3 this month with an 8.44 ERA.

Baltimore is younger, healthier (even with outfielder Nick Markakis done for the year) and has gone 25-13 since the beginning of August. The Orioles show no signs of wilting.

The Rays clearly have the best starting pitching, and have gone 23-14 since the beginning of August.

The problem the Yankees have, if they don't somehow manage to win the AL East, is that the bumbling Bombers could -- stunningly -- find themselves out of the playoffs altogether.

Right now the Yankees would be the second team of the two AL wild cards if they fail to win the division, meaning they would end up in a one-game playoff with the Oakland Athletics. The Yankees have the Rays also nipping at their heels for that spot.

So, if the Yankees don't find a winning formula -- soon -- they could be headed toward what will go down as a historic collapse for the winningest franchise in sports history.

Yankees At Red Sox Preview: Game Time, TV Schedule, Probable Pitchers

A walk-off single from Jacoby Ellsbury gave the Boston Red Sox a 4-3 victory over the Yankees on Tuesday night and once again dropped New York into a first-place tie with the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East standings. New York will try to get back on the winning track when it meets Boston for the second game of the series on Wednesday night at Fenway Park.

David Phelps will be the probable starter for the Yankees with his Red Sox counterpart on the mound being Aaron Cook.

A right-handed rookie, Phelps enters the game with a 3-4 record and a 3.55 ERA, however, he carries a 4.54 ERA across eight games as a starter. His ERA over the past three starts has been 7.20 due in part to giving up five home runs.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

TV: YES, ESPN

Radio: WCBS 880, WADO 1280

For more on the Yankees, check out Pinstriped Bible. For the rival's perspective during the series, visit Over The Monster.

Red Sox 4, Yankees 3: Boston Walks-Off For Game 1 Win, Yanks Tied For 1st In AL East

The New York Yankees dropped their series opener against the Red Sox on Tuesday night as Jacoby Ellsbury ripped a walk-off single to right field for the 4-3 win. Jon Lester danced around seven walks in 5.1 innings as the Yankees could never quite come through with a big rally to chase the starter and put Boston away.

Captain Derek Jeter finally made Lester pay for his wildness in the sixth, when he blooped a ground-rule double to right to give the Yankees the 3-2 lead. The double scored both Curtis Granderson and Andruw Jones, but that's all the Yanks would plate on the evening.

The one-run lead didn't last long as Dustin Pedroia stepped into the box and knotted things up at 3-3 with a solo shot off Hiroki Kuroda, sending it over the monster in left. It would remain tied until the bottom of the ninth, when the Red Sox mounted a one-out rally against David Robertson. Pedro Ciriaco would start things off with a single to left. He would move to second when Mike Aviles sent a slow nubber to the hole between short and third. Jeter chased it down but there was no throw to be made. With Ciriaco on second, Ellsbury would come through as the hero on a single to Ichiro, who charged the ball but could not get the speedy Ciriaco at home.

The loss, combined with the Orioles blowout win over the Rays, evens things up again at the top of the AL East standings. David Phelps will now take the hill for the Yanks in Game 2, where he'll be opposed by Aaron Cook.

For more on the Yankees, check out Pinstriped Bible. For the rival's perspective during the series, visit Over The Monster.

Yankees Vs. Red Sox: Boston Fire Department Sings National Anthem During 9/11 Commemoration

The Yankees and Red Sox started their final series of the season at Fenway on Tuesday night, but before the first pitch, both teams took time to solemnly commemorate the anniversary of 9/11. The Red Sox organization took several moments to honor those who lost their lives 11 years ago, and both teams were out on the field during the brief ceremony. The Sox had a mammoth American flag draped along the left-field wall, covering the Green Monster from end to end. Several of Boston's finest lined the warning track in front of the wall, saluting the flag during the National Anthem. An a cappella quartet from the Boston Fire Department sang the National Anthem as both teams stood shoulder-to-shoulder out of the dugout and along the baselines. Video of the anthem below:

For more on the Yankees, check out Pinstriped Bible. For the rival's perspective during the series, visit Over The Monster.

Yankees Vs. Red Sox Lineups: Ichiro Sits, Steve Pearce In At 1st Base

The New York Yankees' series against the Boston Red Sox is critical for a different set of reasons than it usually is. The Yanks are still fighting for the top spot in the American League East, but this time, their bitter rivals are just trying to play spoiler.

The Yankees will play a very similar lineup to the one they put out in Saturday's loss to the second-place Baltimore Orioles against a left-handed pitcher in Joe Saunders, with one big difference: Mark Teixeira, who returned from injury to start that game but hurt himself again, is out, causing everybody else to slide up a spot in the lineup. Here's how they look:

1. Derek Jeter (R) SS
2. Nick Swisher (S) RF
3. Alex Rodriguez (R) DH
4. Robinson Cano (L) 2B
5. Russell Martin (R) C
6. Steve Pearce (R) 1B
7. Curtis Granderson (L) CF
8. Andruw Jones (R) LF
9. Jayson Nix (R) 3B

The left-handed Ichiro will sit, with righties Pearce and Jones getting the nod against Boston left-hander Jon Lester.

Here's the lineup the Red Sox will start:

1. Jacoby Ellsbury (L) CF
2. Scott Podsednik (L) DH
3. Dustin Pedroia (R) 2B
4. James Loney (L) 1B
5. Cody Ross (R) LF
6. Ryan Lavarnway (R) C
7. Ryan Kalish (L) RF
8. Pedro Ciriaco (R) 3B
9. Mike Aviles (R) SS

For more on the Yanks-Sox showdown, head over to Pinstriped Bible and continue to check out SB Nation New York.

Yankees At Red Sox Preview: Game Time, TV Schedule, Probable Pitchers

The Yankees head to Boston for their final series at Fenway in 2012. Hiroki Kuroda will be on the hill for Game 1 while the Red Sox will counter with Jon Lester.