NEW YORK, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Rodrigo Lopez allowed six hits into the eighth inning Friday night as Baltimore downed the New York Yankees, 3-1.
New York had its lead in the American League East cut to 2 1/2 games over Boston. The Yankees suffered more problems when starting pitcher Kevin Brown broke his left (non-throwing) hand when he punched a wall after being taken out of the game.
Brown will consult a hand specialist on Saturday.
Miguel Tejada and Brian Roberts each had a hit and an RBI in helping Baltimore win its fifth straight after losing 12 in a row.
Derek Jeter homered in the first inning for the lone Yankee run.
Lopez (11-8) settled down after a troublesome first inning and gave up the one run with seven strikeouts over 7 1/3.
Jason Grimsley got two outs in the eighth and Jorge Julio struck out the side in the ninth for his 20th save.
Brown (10-4) gave up three runs on five hits before leaving and then taking out of his frustrations on a clubhouse wall.