Sean Rodriguez hit a go-ahead two-run homer, helping the Tampa Bay Rays continue their home dominance over the New York Yankees in a 7-4 victory over the AL East leaders Tuesday night.
Rodriguez, mired in a 17 for 100 slump dating to May 21, finished 3 for 4.
After blowing a three-run lead, New York went ahead, 4-3, on Eric Chavez’s RBI single during the fourth. Tampa Bay responded in the bottom half and grabbed a 5-4 lead on Rodriguez’s first homer since May 27 off Ivan Nova (9-3).
James Shields (8-5) gave up four runs and 10 hits over seven innings for the Rays.
Tampa Bay extended its lead to 7-4 with a two-run seventh. After Desmond Jennings stole home on a play that had catcher Russell Martin make a bad throw to second on B.J. Upton’s stolen base attempt, Ben Zobrist had a run-scoring single.
Nova, who entered 5-0 in his past seven starts, allowed six runs and seven hits in six-plus innings. The righthander had won his previous four starts against Tampa Bay.
Nationals 9, Giants 3 — All-Star shortstop Ian Desmond hit his 14th home run, and host Washington became the latest team to beat up on Tim Lincecum, pounding the struggling righthander.
The opener of the three-game series between first-place teams was barely a contest.
Jordan Zimmermann (5-6) pitched a rain-shortened six innings and again enjoyed generous run support.
White Sox 19, Rangers 2 — Kevin Youkilis, Adam Dunn and Alex Rios homered in the first inning off Roy Oswalt and All-Star Chris Sale won his 10th game as host Chicago routed Texas.
Mets 11, Phillies 1 — Jonathon Niese had a two-run single to back his fine performance on the mound and David Wright hit a three-run homer to break open New York’s romp over reeling Philadelphia.
Pirates 8, Astros 7 — Drew Sutton hit a one-out solo homer in the bottom of the ninth and Pittsburgh improved to eight games over .500 for the first time in 20 years.
Padres 9, Diamondbacks 5 — Chase Headley doubled in three runs and San Diego roughed up Arizona rookie Trevor Bauer in his home debut, winning its fourth straight and sending the Diamondbacks to their fourth loss in a row.
Dodgers 3, Reds 1 — Luis Cruz doubled home the go-ahead run in his second game with the Dodgers and stole home on the next pitch, leading host Los Angeles over Cincinnati.
Braves 10, Cubs 3 — Newly chosen All-Star Chipper Jones delivered his first five-hit game in a decade, driving in four runs to lead host Atlanta.
Orioles 5, Mariners 4 — Robert Andino homered in the ninth off Seattle reliever Charlie Furbush to give visiting Baltimore the victory after starter Wei-Yin Chen flirted with a perfect game for more than six innings.
Blue Jays 6, Royals 3 — Adam Lind hit a three-run homer, Brett Cecil won for the first time in three starts, and Toronto beat visiting Kansas City.
Indians 9, Angels 5 — Rookie Zach McAllister lasted six innings, overcoming a throwing error and two home runs in the fifth, and Shelley Duncan homered to lead host Cleveland over Los Angeles.
Twins 8, Tigers 6 — Josh Willingham and Trevor Plouffe hit homers in a five-run third and Ryan Doumit had a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the seven inning, lifting Minnesota to victory in Detroit.
Brewers 13, Marlins 12 — Aramis Ramirez hit a two-run homer off Heath Bell in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift host Milwaukee over Miami.
Rockies 3, Cardinals 2 — Jeff Francis worked five solid innings before the Colorado bullpen took over and Tyler Colvin hit a three-run homer as the Rockies beat visiting St. Louis.