Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) – Curtis Granderson hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning and the Yankees took the first of four consecutive meetings with the Cleveland Indians, 3-2, at Progressive Field.
Nick Swisher added a solo home run to account for all of the Yankee scoring. It was Granderson’s third home run in two games. He had the lone multi-hit game for New York, which has won five of six.
Alex Rodriguez remained stuck on 599 career home runs. He was 0-for-4 Monday and will continue his quest for No. 600 on Tuesday, his 35th birthday.
Javier Vazquez (9-7) was effective over seven-plus innings, limiting the Tribe to five hits and two runs. He walked three and struck out five in winning his third straight decision. Mariano Rivera picked up his 21st save for tossing a scoreless ninth.
Travis Hafner hit a solo home run and Shin-Soo Choo recorded an RBI double for Cleveland, which has lost four of five.
Jake Westbrook (6-7) pitched eight strong innings in making a good audition for a possible contender as trade rumors persist. He permitted only four hits, but also three runs after serving up Granderson’s deciding blast. The veteran righty struck out five while walking two.