MLB: N.Y. Yankees 8, Tampa Bay 4

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 3 (UPI) -- An Alex Rodriguez homer brought about the first use of instant replay in baseball history Wednesday as part of the New York Yankees' 8-4 win over Tampa Bay.

It was the 549th home run of Rodriguez's career, moving him into 12 place on the all-time list.

The Rays lost their second straight and saw their lead over Boston in the American League East cut to three games. New York is seven games behind Boston in the wild card race.

New York had a 6-3 lead going into the ninth, when Bobby Abreu drew a 12-pitch walk off Troy Percival. Rodriguez then hit a shot over the left field foul pole and umpire Brian Runge signaled a homer.

Tampa Bay catcher Dioner Navarro argued the call and the umpires left the field and looked at a replay to confirm the call. It took two minutes and 15 seconds to go through the process.

It was the Yankees' third straight win and their fifth in seven games.

Edwar Ramirez (5-1) picked up the win in relief of Carl Pavano. Edwin Jackson (11-9) took the loss, giving up six runs on 10 hits in just 3 1/3.

New York's Jason Giambi drove in a run for the eighth straight game, tying him with Josh Hamilton of Texas for the longest such streak in the American League this year.