The New York Yankees lost the opener of their four-game series against the Chicago Whites Sox, 4-3, Thursday night at Yankee Stadium. David Robertson (0-2) gave up a three-run home run in the ninth inning to Dayan Viciedo, spoiling Ivan Nova's solid night on the mound.
The Yankees held a 3-1 lead entering the ninth. Cody Eppley started the inning on the mound, but was relieved by Clay Rapada after giving up a single to the first batter he faced, Alex Rios. Rapada faced A.J. Pierzynski on the next at-bat, and threw what could have been a double play ball into center field. Instead of two outs, the Yankees had none and the White Sox had runners on the corners.
Rapada was promptly relieved by Robertson, who gave up a home run on the next at-bat. Robertson was able to down the next straight batters, but by then the damage was done. Derek Jeter's fly ball was caught at the wall to end the game in the bottom of the inning with DeWayne Wise stuck on first.
Nova gave up just one earned run off six hits and three walks, while striking out five in 7 1/3 innings. He allowed a homer to Alejandro De Aza in the fifth inning that briefly put the White Sox up 1-0 for his only earned run of the night. De Aza went 4-for-5 at the plate.
The Yankees responded in the bottom of the inning, scoring on back-to-back doubles by Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano to take a 2-1 lead off Chicago starter Dylan Axelrod. Rodriguez went 2-for-4 at the plate with two doubles. Mark Teixeira hit his 13th home run of the season in the eighth inning. The solo shot gave the Yankees a comfortable 3-1 lead provided the bull pen did its job.
Hector Santiago (2-1) was given the win despite giving up the Teixeira home run in one inning of relief. Addison Reed earned his 11th save of the season.
-- For more on the Yankees, visit the SB Nation blog Pinstripe Alley.