Rodriguez flips over homer
Alex Rodriguez kind of chuckled, and declared the best thing about his game-winning homer Thursday was trying to hit Yankees coach Larry Bowa in the head as he rounded third.
Yes, Rodriguez is one happy superstar right now, and the Yankees are winning because of it.
Rodriguez hit a three-run homer that capped a comeback from a four-run deficit with two outs in the ninth inning, giving New York an 8-6 victory over the visiting Cleveland Indians that completed a three-game sweep.
By homering for the third straight game, Rodriguez increased his major league-leading totals to 10 homers and 26 RBIs. His latest drive came after he went hitless in his first four at-bats and committed a throwing error that allowed the Indians’ final run to score.
“It’s just fun,” Rodriguez said. “It’s going out and not trying to do too much, and help the team win.”
Rodriguez connected on a belt-high pitch from Joe Borowski (0-1) and sent the ball soaring to center. Rodriguez knew immediately it was gone, flipping his bat toward the Yankees’ dugout and raising both hands in triumph.
He slapped the hands of Bowa after rounding third, then slammed his helmet to the ground.
“It’s what Alex is capable of,” Yankees manager Joe Torre said. “He’s got such incredible ability and now he’s letting it speak for itself.”
Sean Henn pitched one inning, following Chase Wright and Kei Igawa to become the third Yankees rookie in three games to get his first major league win. That hadn’t happened since Norm Branch, Charlie Stanceu and Steve Peek did it from May 20-22, 1941, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
Around the league
Yankees starter Carl Pavano has a mild strain in his right elbow and is expected to begin throwing off flat ground within the week. Pavano had an MRI exam that revealed the strain. The right-hander was placed on the disabled list Sunday, retroactive to April 10. … Ryan Howard sat out the Philadelphia Phillies’ 4-2 victory over Washington because of a left leg injury that’s expected to sideline him at least one more game.