New York ? Gary Sheffield, Alex Rodriguez and their New York teammates caused another meltdown by Kenny Rogers against the Yankees, overcoming Alfonso Soriano’s triumphant return to the Bronx.

Staked to a four-run lead, Rogers allowed five home runs, and Sheffield’s second of the game propelled the Yankees over the Texas Rangers, 7-6, Friday night. With its 10th win in 11 games, New York opened a season-high 31/2-game lead over Boston in the AL East.

“The sky’s the limit for this team,” Sheffield said. “We’re starting to hit our stride.”

Derek Jeter left in the fourth inning because of a tight left groin, and Yankees manager Joe Torre said his captain probably wouldn’t play again until Tuesday. Jeter’s bat was hardly missed, and his replacement at shortstop, Enrique Wilson, made two sparkling plays, including one that preserved the lead in the seventh inning.

“Hopefully, it’s just a couple of days,” Torre said.

Rogers, at 8-2 off to the best start of his career, resembled the struggling starter booed out of the Bronx in 1997 after two shaky seasons with the Yankees. He allowed home runs to four of his final seven batters.

“Five homers — quality pitching,” Rogers said sarcastically.

Bernie Williams hit a two-run homer in the third, and Wilson, Rodriguez and Sheffield hit solo shots in the fourth. When Hideki Matsui hit another homer leading off the fifth, Texas manager Buck Showalter ran to the mound to take out Rogers, given a mix of boos and cheers when he walked off.

Rogers is 0-7 with a 9.21 ERA in 11 starts against the Yankees since August 1993 after beginning his career 5-0 against them.

“I’d like to beat them before I die,” Rogers said. “Hang around long enough to get them once.”

Former Ranger Kevin Brown (7-1) wasn’t much better, falling behind 4-0 in the third on Soriano’s opposite-field homer to right and Mark Teixeira’s solo shot, then failing to hold a 6-4 lead in the sixth.

Brown bounced a pair of pitches before a run-scoring passed ball by Jorge Posada and gave up an infield single by Eric Young.

Soriano came up to the Yankees in 1999, and was dealt to Texas in February for Rodriguez. When he batted in the first inning, he was given a standing ovation as he walked to the plate.

Indians 9, Angels 6

Anaheim, Calif. — Ronnie Belliard gave Cleveland the lead with his first homer of the season, a three-run shot in the eighth inning off Francisco Rodriguez, and the Indians rallied from four runs down to beat Anaheim.

Blue Jays 6, Athletics 1

Oakland, Calif. — Eric Hinske hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning and a two-run double in the ninth to lead Toronto over Oakland.

White Sox 4, Mariners 2

Seattle — Jon Garland pitched into the eighth inning, and Frank Thomas hit a go-ahead two-run homer, leading Chicago over Seattle. The AL Central-leading White Sox ended a two-game losing streak, while the last-place Mariners lost their third game in a row.

Devil Rays 8, Orioles 7, 11 innings

Baltimore — Julio Lugo led off the 11th inning with his fourth hit and scored on a pinch-hit single by Fred McGriff, leading Tampa Bay past Baltimore. Tino Martinez hit a three-run homer for the Devil Rays, who blew a five-run lead before rallying to force extra innings. Tampa Bay has won three straight and 11 of 15.

Twins 3, Tigers 2

Minneapolis — Torii Hunter’s solo homer with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning gave Minnesota a victory over Detroit. Hunter hit a 2-2 pitch from reliever Jamie Walker (0-2) over the left-center fence for his eighth homer of the season.