BOSTON, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A two-run double in the seventh by Russell Martin put New York in front Thursday and the Yankees fought off Boston 4-2.
New York won two out of three in the key series and moved to within a half game of the first-place Red Sox in the American League East. The teams will meet three times in New York on the final weekend of the season.
Dustin Pedroia's two-run homer in the fourth gave Boston a 2-1 lead and the Red Sox were still protecting that narrow advantage heading into the seventh.
Andruw Jones began the New York rally by drawing a one-out walk off Alfredo Aceves (9-2) and Jesus Montero was hit by a pitch.
Daniel Bard relieved Aceves and was greeted by Martin's double to right that put the Yankees in front 3-2. A single by Eric Chavez brought home Martin with the third run of the inning.
Cory Wade (3-0) recorded the final out of the sixth inning to get the win. Mariano Rivera loaded the bases with two away in the ninth before getting Adrian Gonzalez on a called third strike for his 36th save.
