BOSTON, May 24 (UPI) -- Carlos Baerga's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 11th inning scored Rickey Henderson with the winning run Friday night as the Boston Red Sox blew a six-run lead but defeated the New York Yankees, 9-8.
Boston led 8-2 in the sixth inning behind a big offensive game from Nomar Garciaparra and a strong outing by John Burkett. But the four-time defending American League East champions rallied against the Red Sox bullpen.
After a sacrifice fly by Jorge Posada pulled New York even in the eighth, it became a battle between righthanded setup men Rolando Arrojo (3-1) and Steve Karsay.
Boston finally got to Karsay (1-2) in the 11th. Henderson just beat out an infield hit and Shea Hillenbrand bounced a single into left field. Trot Nixon sacrificed and Karsay issued an intentional walked to Jason Varitek. Baerga, who was 1-for-5, lined out to center field and Bernie Williams' throw was nowhere near in time to get Henderson -- the game's all-time runs leader.
Boston, which has been stymied by New York in clutch games over the last three seasons, improved to 5-1 against the Yankees this season. All six of the games have been at Fenway Park.
