MLB: New York Yankees 13, Boston 6

NEW YORK, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Melky Cabrera and Jorge Posada both hit three-run homers in an eight-run fourth inning Thursday, sending the New York Yankees romping past Boston 13-6.

The one-sided victory was the first for the Yankees against Boston in nine tries this season and expanded New York's lead over the Red Sox in the American League East to 3 ½ games. They will play three more times this weekend.

New York pounded out 18 hits, including solo homers by Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira, to win their fourth straight. Boston has dropped three in a row and saw its lead in the wild-card race reduced to two games over Texas and 2 ½ over Tampa Bay.

The Red Sox had a 3-1 lead before collapsing in the fourth. New York sent 13 men to the plate against starter John Smoltz (2-5) and reliever Billy Traber.

Cabrera put the Yankees in front with his homer after Robinson Cano had singled and Nick Swisher had walked. Posada's homer brought in Teixeira, who had doubled, and Alex Rodriguez, who had drawn an intentional walk.

Joba Chamberlain (8-2) got the win by going five innings while allowing six hits and four runs. He won his fifth straight decision despite walking a career-high seven.

Casey Kotchman gave the Red Sox the early lead with a two-run homer, his first since being traded from Atlanta. The Red Sox went 3-for-21 with runners in scoring position and left 15 men on base.