BOSTON — Robinson Cano homered and drove in three runs, Andy Pettitte gave the Yankees another strong start and red-hot New York beat the Boston Red Sox 10-3 on Saturday for its season-best eighth straight win.
The Yankees closed to within one game of second-place Boston in the AL East and remained unbeaten since the all-star break. Division leader Tampa Bay began the day with a one-game lead over the Red Sox.
Newly acquired Xavier Nady started in left field in his first game with New York, and reliever Damaso Marte struck out David Ortiz in a key spot. The Yankees finalized their deal with Pittsburgh on Saturday, acquiring Nady and Marte for four minor-leaguers.
Alex Rodriguez was drilled on the left arm by Red Sox reliever Craig Hansen in the eighth and fans cheered. Rodriguez stayed in the game before being replaced at third base in the bottom half by Wilson Betemit.
Pettitte (12-7) allowed only one earned run and struck out seven over six innings to continue a brilliant run by New York starters. They have allowed three earned runs or fewer in 15 of their last 16 games.
