Yanks Creep Closer to Sox
The New York Yankees hit the jackpot last night and didnt even have to play any slot machines or buy any lottery tickets to do so. While the Yankees were [defeating Baltimore 8-5] in the Bronx, both Boston and Detroit were losing elsewhere, increasing New Yorks wild card lead over the Tigers and [inching the Pinstripers closer](http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/standings) to the Red Sox in the AL East.
New York starter Phil Hughes (pictured) struggled early, surrendering two runs in the first inning, but the rookie right-hander settled down to retire 16 of the next 18 hitters. Hughes went five and two-thirds innings and allowed just the two quick runs, earning his fourth win in the process. He got plenty of help from his offense too, which racked up 13 hits in the victory. Hideki Matsui went deep for New York and Doug Mientkiewicz and Bobby Abreu both had significant two-run base hits to aide in the win.
The W brought New York within just three and a half games of Boston in the division and extended their Wild Card advantage to that same margin over Detroit. Shhhhh. If you listen closely, you can hear the [whispers of 1978] all the way from the Hudson River to Fenway Park.