The Yankees were not only looking for a win to end their losing streak, they also hoped to revitalize their recent sluggish offensive performances.
One night after being shutout for the third time this season, the Yankees used a pair of two-run home runs to power past the Mets, 5-3, Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.
With the win the Yankees ended a season-high four-game losing streak. The Mets lost for only the second time in 11 interleague games this season.
For the second consecutive game, the Mets scored in the top of the first. Jose Reyes deposited the second pitch of the game from Phil Hughes over the right field wall for his fourth home run of the season.
The Yankees tied the game in the bottom of the first inning. With runners at first and third and one out, Mark Teixeira grounded into a double play, allowing Brett Gardner to score from third.
Reyes promptly untied the game in the top of the third with his second home run of the game, a two-run blast to right field. It was his sixth career multi-home run game.
The Mets lead was short-lived as the Yankees tied the game in the bottom half of the inning. With a runner at first and one out, Teixeira homered deep over the right center field wall to tie the game at three. It was his 11th home run of the season.
Jorge Posada walked to lead off the bottom of the fourth. He came around to score on Curtis Granderson’s sixth home run of the season, a two-run blast over the right field wall to give the Yankees a 5-3 lead.
Hughes (10-1), who lost his only game of the season to the Mets on May 22, became the second American League pitcher to win 10 games. He allowed three runs on five hits over seven innings with four strikeouts and three walks. Mariano Rivera pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 16th save.
Mike Pelfrey (9-2) suffered his first loss since May 1. In seven innings pitched, he allowed five runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and three walks. Pelfrey allowed two home runs after only giving up three home runs coming into the game.
A pair of left-handed pitchers will close out the Subway Series on Sunday afternoon. Johan Santana (5-3, 3.13) will take the mound for the Mets, while the Yankees will counter with CC Sabathia (7-3, 4.00). First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. ET.
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