NEW YORK, Aug 12 - Robinson Cano and Johnny Damon both belted homers as
the New York Yankees scored all their runs in a second-inning explosion on their
way to a 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.
Cano connected on three-run blast and Damon followed with a two-run shot as
the Yankees erased a 1-0 Angels lead, then rode strong pitching performances
from starter Jaret Wright and three relievers for a first win in three contests.
Sidelined with a pulled hamstring since June 27, Cano came off the disabled
list after missing 34 games and has immediately embarked on a hot hitting
streak, going nine-for-19, including two home runs.
"I'm not surprised, but I never thought I would do that good," Cano told
MLB.com. "It's just everything is going well right now."
The victory allowed the Yankees to maintain a two-game advantage top the
American League East over archrivals the Boston Red Sox, who kept the pressure
on with an 8-7 extra innings win over the Baltimore Orioles.
Wright (9-6) struggled at times during his 5 1/3 innings of work, walking
four batters and allowing the leadoff hitter to reach base three times.
But the righthander left the game in the sixth inning to a loud ovation after
yielding just one run on two hits to collect his third straight decision.
"He keeps you on the edge of your seat but he's got a big heart," Yankees
manager Joe Torre said. "He certainly likes to compete."
Scott Proctor took over from Wright and also allowed one run on a pair of
hits in 1 2/3 innings before turning the mound over to Kyle Farnsworth who
tossed a perfect eighth.
Mariano Rivera then completed the four-hitter, recording the final three out
for his 30th save of the season.
It marked the fourth straight season, Rivera has registered 30 or more saves.
Kelvim Escobar (8-10) took the loss for the Angels after giving up five runs
on eight hits over six innings.
In Boston, Manny Ramirez singled in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th
inning to extend his hitting streak to 27 games as Red Sox edged the Baltimore
Orioles.
Deadlocked at 7-7, Ramirez belted a single to left that scored Mark Loretta,
who had led off the 10th with a walk, lifting the Red Sox to a second straight
win following a five-game losing streak.
