MLB: N.Y. Yankees 6, Cleveland 3

NEW YORK, May 8 (UPI) -- Four players homered Thursday to help the New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Indians 6-3.

Johnny Damon started the scoring with a solo homer and Jason Giambi added a two-run blast, both in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Later, Damon hit an RBI double in the fifth and both Robinson Cano and Wilson Betemit hit solo homers in the seventh.

Three players had two hits for the Yankees, who averted a three-game sweep.

Winner Mike Mussina (5-3) gave up three earned runs and four hits in five innings and closer Mariano Rivera earned his ninth save this season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Casey Blake hit a two-run double and Kelly Shoppach had RBI single in the fifth for Cleveland.

Franklin Gutierrez had a run and two hits for the Indians, who have split their last four games.

Losing pitcher Paul Byrd (1-3) surrendered five earned runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings.