Domingo German, Yankees salvage final game of four-game series with Red Sox

July 29 (UPI) -- With help from starting pitcher Domingo German, the New York Yankees avoided a four-game sweep against the rival Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

German struck out nine hitters over 5 1/3 innings in a 9-6 victory over the Red Sox on Sunday night. The 26-year-old recorded his American League-best 13th win of the year.

"I felt it was my responsibility to go out there and put a stop to it," German said. "It's been a rough patch for us starters. Tonight I felt I needed to go out there and be aggressive."

German threw 57 of his 77 pitches for strikes. He became the first Yankees starting pitcher in a week to pitch into the sixth inning.

"We needed that start from Domingo, badly," said catcher Austin Romine, who hit a two-run home run off Red Sox starter Chris Sale. "I think he came out and was the most calm I have seen him, the most collected I have seen him.

"I think he was on a mission and throwing some really good pitches there, keeping them off balance," Romine added.

Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius hit his seventh home run of the year in the fourth inning, a two-run shot off Sale. The Yankees worked six walks and took advantage of three Red Sox errors.

Boston left fielder Andrew Benintendi finished a three-hit, four-RBI night with a two-run single against Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman in the ninth inning. Chapman struck out rookie infielder Michael Chavis to end the game.

New York moved to 67-38 with the victory. The first-place Yankees have an 8 1/2 game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays -- and a nine-game lead over the Red Sox -- in the AL East Division.