Yankees Take Advantage of Ray Mistakes

YANKEES 4
RAYS 3

The kings of comeback were at it again Sunday in the Bronx. In spite of another mediocre outing by Joba Chamberlain, the Yankees rescued themselves from certain defeat to win in the final innings.

The Rays had built up a 3-1 lead behind Matt Garza, who went only five innings, and, for sure, Rays manager Joe Madden is kicking himself that Garza couldn't go any longer. Grant Balfour fell on his face in the eighth inning, surrendering three runs and the ball game. With one out in the bottom of the eighth, Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeria had back-to-back singles to set things up for Alex Rodriguez. Rodgriguez walked to bring up Robinson Cano.

J.P. Howell came into to pitch in relief of Balfour, and he didn't fare any better. He walked Cano to bring home Damon, cutting the Rays lead to 3-2. Next, Jorge Posada reached first base on a fielder's choice, thanks to a fielding error by Willie Aybar. Teixeria scored to tie the game. Finally, Hideki Matsui's fielder's choice brought home A-Rod with the go-ahead run.

Mariano Rivera bounced back from his horrific outing on Saturday to shut down the Rays for his 13th save of the year. Box Score.