MLB: New York Yankees 5, Boston 2

NEW YORK, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Back-to-back eighth-inning homers by Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira Sunday helped the New York Yankees beat Boston 5-2 for a four-game sweep.

Alex Rodriguez had a solo homer and scored two runs and Nick Swisher followed the Damon and Teixeira homers with a two-run single in the Yankees' seventh straight win.

Andy Pettitte pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing five hits and two walks with four strikeouts as New York ran its lead to 6 ½ games over the second-place Red Sox in the AL East.

Phil Coke (4-3) allowed Boston to go up 2-1 when he served up a two-run homer to Victor Martinez in the eighth but still got the victory.

Martinez's homer -- his 17th of the season -- gave the Red Sox their first runs in 31 innings.

Boston starter Jon Lester went seven innings, giving up one run on five hits with seven strikeouts and no walks.

Daniel Bard (0-1) took the loss, giving up two runs on three hits.

The Yankees hadn't swept Boston in four games in New York since August 1985.