Yankees 5, Rays 0

New York – Derek Jeter delivered with his bat and glove, backing a determined effort by Andy Pettitte that led New York to a much-needed victory over Tampa Bay.

Jeter lined an early go-ahead double off All-Star Scott Kazmir, then made a stellar play in the seventh inning that preserved a two-run lead and prompted a sellout crowd to chant his name. Pettitte needed little other help in pitching eight sharp innings.

The third-place Yankees avoided falling 91â2 games behind Tampa Bay in the AL East.

Blue Jays 7, Orioles 6

Toronto – Alex Rios scored when shortstop Freddie Bynum couldn’t handle a grounder in the bottom of the ninth inning, and Toronto beat Baltimore.

Athletics 2, Mariners 0

Oakland, Calif. – Justin Duchscherer faced only three batters over the minimum and threw a two-hitter to lead Oakland. The right-hander allowed a two-out double to Richie Sexson in the fifth and a leadoff single to Miguel Cairo in the sixth.

Tigers 9, Indians 2

Detroit – Miguel Cabrera hit two home runs, Marcus Thames had one, and Justin Verlander was dominant after a shaky start, lifting Detroit past Cleveland.

The surging Tigers (45-44) lead the majors with 21 victories since June 7.

The defending AL Central-champion Indians (37-52) have dropped nine straight, and the latest setback was the first of the post-CC Sabathia era.

Sabathia, who officially was sent to Milwaukee on Monday for three prospects and a player to be named, rejected Cleveland’s $72 million, four-year extension offer during spring training.

Rangers 3, Angels 2

Arlington, Texas – Josh Hamilton’s major-league-leading 87th RBI helped Texas left-hander Matt Harrison win his debut. Harrison was just a little better than All-Star lefty Joe Saunders of the Angels.

Red Sox 6, Twins 5

Boston – Manny Ramirez hit a game-tying two-run homer as part of a four-run eighth-inning rally to help Boston edge Minnesota. It was the second straight game Ramirez came through in the eighth inning to rally the Red Sox.