With Curtis Granderson on the 15-day disabled list, Yankees outfielder Randy Winn will receive significant playing time in the outfield.
On Monday night, he provided the power stroke with a three-run home run to help lead New York past Baltimore, 4-1, at Yankee Stadium.
CC Sabathia (4-1) pitched eight innings of one-run ball to earn the win, while Jeremy Guthrie (0-4) suffered the loss.
Joba Chamberlain pitched the ninth for his first save of the season. Mariano Rivera was unavailable due to stiffness in his left side.
In addition, Jorge Posada left the game in the sixth inning, and an MRI revealed a mild strain. He is listed as day-to-day.
Baltimore catcher Matt Wieters gave the Orioles an early lead with a leadoff home run in the top of the second. In the bottom of the fourth, Nick Swisher’s line-drive single off the right field wall scored Alex Rodriguez to tie the game.
After Brett Gardner singled, Winn delivered his first Yankee home run over the right center field wall to provide the winning margin. It was Winn’s first home run since April 25, 2009 for San Francisco.
Sabathia continued his mastery over Baltimore by limiting the Orioles to one run on six hits while striking out two and walking two. He improved to 11-1 in 16 career starts against Baltimore.
Despite allowing all four Yankee runs in the fourth inning, Guthrie pitched effectively. He allowed four runs on six hits over seven innings. He is winless in his last 11 starts dating back to last season.
Baltimore and New York will resume their three-game series Tuesday night. Brian Matusz (2-1, 4.40) will start for the Orioles, while the Yankees will counter with A.J. Burnett (3-0, 2.43). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET.
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