New York ? They dueled down to the final strike, Francisco Rodriguez vs. Derek Jeter with the outcome in jeopardy.

After throwing a series of amped-up fastballs and wicked sliders, Rodriguez retired Jeter on a fly ball with a runner on third for the last out, lifting the Los Angeles Angels over the New York Yankees, 4-3, Sunday for a three-game sweep.

“It could be the worst hitter in the world. It could be the best hitter,” Rodriguez said. “I treat every hitter with the same respect.”

New York lost for the seventh time in 10 games and dropped a season-high six games below .500.

Red Sox 6, Rangers 5

Arlington, Texas – J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell hit RBI singles in the eighth inning, and Boston held on to complete a three-game sweep.

Orioles 8, Athletics 4

Baltimore – Miguel Tejada, Melvin Mora and Nick Markakis homered for Baltimore, negating another home run by Oakland’s Nick Swisher.

Devil Rays 11, White Sox 5

Chicago – Carl Crawford hit a go-ahead RBI triple in the seventh inning for Tampa Bay to back Scott Kazmir, who won for the third time in 17 starts dating to last season.

Twins 4, Blue Jays 2

Minneapolis – Carlos Silva ended a four-game losing streak, and Justin Morneau homered for Minnesota.

Indians 5, Tigers 3

Detroit – Ryan Garko hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and Cleveland finished off a three-game sweep.

The Indians came to Detroit trailing by a half-game in the AL Central and left in first place by a season-high 21â2-games.