Yankees snap losing streak, top Indians 3-1
CLEVELAND — CC Sabathia came off the disabled list and went into the eighth inning and Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer to help the New York Yankees snap a three-game losing streak by beating the Cleveland Indians 3-1 on Friday night.
Cleveland lost its ninth straight as ex-Indian Sabathia (13-3) worked 7 1-3 strong innings. The left-hander had a perfect game until Asdrubal Cabrera homered with one out in the fourth.
Derek Jeter was beaned by Indians starter Corey Kluber, but stayed in the game. Jeter had two hits and scored twice.
Swisher broke a 1-1 tie with his 19th homer, off Cody Allen (0-1) in the seventh.
Rafael Soriano loaded the bases in the ninth, but got his 32nd save in 34 chances.
Cleveland put runners on second and third with no outs against Soriano. Matt LaPorta struck out and pinch-hitter Ezequiel Carrera popped out to short. Soriano went to 3-0 on pinch-hitter Casey Kotchman before giving him an intentional walk to load the bases.
Pinch-hitter Jack Hannahan then grounded out to first as Cleveland continued its freefall fade. The Indians have been outscored 175-86 in losing 22 of their last 26.
Sabathia struck out nine in his first start since pitching 6 2-3 innings to defeat Detroit on Aug. 8. He then went on the disabled list with inflammation in his left shoulder, but showed no rustiness against the Indians, who dropped to 10-30 since the All-Star break.
Jeter helped him with a couple of fine plays at shortstop in the second after the Yankees got quite a scare when their captain was hit in the left side of the head in the top half of the inning.
The force of the impact knocked Jeter’s helmet off and staggered the 38-year-old as a large contingent of Yankees fans went from chanting, “Der-ek Je-ter” to eliciting a shocking groan. Jeter was visibly upset as he went to first base.
Moments later, he went deep into the hole at short to field a grounder by Carlos Santana and throw him out. With two outs, Jeter ranged all the way into short left field to grab a grounder by LaPorta. He got that out, too, when first baseman Mark Teixeira scooped his low throw.
New York loaded the bases in the first two innings, but scored only one run.
Jeter doubled to open the game and scored on a double by Swisher.
In the second inning, Jeter was beaned and Kluber walked Swisher to load the bases, but the rookie got Robinson Cano to hit into an inning-ending double play.
Cabrera’s 14th homer tied the score and came on the first pitch after Sabathia uncorked a fastball behind him, which could have been the big lefty’s way of retaliating for Jeter getting hit.
Kluber struck out a career-high six over five innings in his best start in five outings since being called up. The right-hander allowed six hits, two walks and one run.
NOTES: The Yankees are 4-0 against Cleveland this year. ... The Yankees’ previous 12 homers came with the bases empty until Swisher connected. ... Jeter went 2 for 4 and has a .365 career average at Progressive Field, best by any player with 115 or more at-bats at the park. ... Cleveland first-base coach Tom Wiedenbauer left the team because of a death in the family. Bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. replaced him and Tim Tolman took over Alomar’s duties. ... Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez (broken left hand, 15-day DL) and LHP Andy Pettitte (left ankle fracture, 60-day DL) are with the team. ... LaPorta was recalled from Columbus and RHP Frank Herrmann was optioned to the Triple-A club. ... Yankees manager Joe Girardi said RHP David Phelps likely will start Monday against Toronto. That will be in place of RHP Ivan Nova, put on the DL Thursday with an inflamed rotator cuff. ... Indians RHP Justin Masterson (9-11) faces Yankees RHP Hiroki Kuroda (12-8) in the second game of the series Saturday at 7:05 p.m.