Teixeira does it again, Yanks take series

Mark Teixeira’s fourth-inning homer proved to be the difference in a 3-2 win for the Yankees (76-45) over the A’s (53-67) to win their fifth consecutive series.

Quick ‘Cap:
The Yanks manufactured a run beautifully in the first for an early lead. Derek Jeter led off with a single, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout and then scored on Teixeira’s groundout to third. Third basemen Adam Kennedy may have had a chance to throw him out at the plate, but he went with the sure out at first instead.

After Johnny Damon led off the fourth with a single, Teixeira took the first pitch he saw over the left field wall. With a 3-0 lead, Chad Gaudin hadn't allowed a run through four innings. He loaded up the bases in the fifth (two walks and an error) with one out, and his day was done. Alfredo Aceves came up big with a 1-2-3 double play to get out of the jam. Aceves gave up a run in the sixth and seventh innings, but Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera locked down the last two innings. Full box score here.

Thoughts:
A lot of the craze on baseball blogs is MVP talk right now. Everyone seems to be favoring Joe Mauer, but I am still on Teixeira’s side. Tonight’s game won’t hurt his chances.

Line of the Night:
Jeter: 2-for-4, R, SB, K. That’s five straight multi-hit games, and eight of his last 10. He hasn’t walked since July 28.

Up Next:
The Yankees finished their west coast trip with a 5-2 record, and will get an off-day on Thursday. The Red Sox series held at Fenway Park is looming for the weekend, but it won’t be nearly as hectic as it was when the standings were tighter. Full series preview up later.