Behind a five-run third inning which included a three-run home run by catcher Russell Martin, the New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 6-4, in the series finale at Yankee Stadium. The victory helped New York (83-63) earn a win in the three-game series and retain a one-game lead in the AL East Division standings over the second-place Baltimore Orioles (82-64), who defeated the Oakland Athletics, 9-5.
Winning pitcher Hiroki Kuroda (14-10) wasn't spectacular but was good enough lasting six inning allowing four runs on four hits. The Yankees bullpen shutdown Tampa Bay tossing four scoreless innings. Closer Raphael Soriano collected his 40th save of the season by tossing a scoreless ninth inning.
Martin finished the game 1-for-4 as did captain Derek Jeter, who collected an RBI in the third. Third base man Alex Rodriguez went 1-for-3 with two RBI.
The Yankees were able to get to losing pitcher Matt Moore (10-11) early as he left after just three innings of work. Moore allowed five runs on three hits and four walks.
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