NEW YORK, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Marcus Thames smashed a two-run, seventh-inning homer Saturday and the New York Yankees went on to defeat Toronto 7-5 for their eighth straight win.
Robinson Cano drove in a pair of runs with a single, and Brett Gardner and Derek Jeter each knocked in a run for the Yankees, who entered the game 1 1/2 games ahead of second-place Tampa Bay in the American League East.
Javier Vazquez returned to the Yankees' starting rotation and surrendered five runs on four hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings. The victory instead went to Joba Chamberlain (2-4), who threw one scoreless inning of relief.
Mariano Rivera notched his 29th save in the ninth.
The Blue Jays were led by Lyle Overbay, who homered, doubled and drove in three runs, and John McDonald connected for a two-run homer in the loss.
