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By EDUARDO A. ENCINA, Times Staff Writer
Published August 31, 2007

Yankees

Tonight-Sunday

What's new: Coming off a three-game sweep of the rival Red Sox, the Yankees are riding high. After outscoring the Red Sox 14-6, they've cut Boston's lead to five games in the AL East. Thursday's win, which completed the Yankees' first sweep of Boston in New York since June 29 to July 1, 2004, put them atop the wild-card standings thanks to Seattle's loss to Cleveland.

Key stat: Rookie reliever Joba Chamberlain has given the bullpen a boost with 111/3 scoreless innings since he was recalled from Triple A.

Who's hot: OF Hideki Matsui is hitting .320 (8-for-25) over the past week. DH/OF Johnny Damon has two homers and six RBIs over the past seven games.

Who's not: 1B Andy Phillips is 4-for-his-last-17, the coolest of the hot-hitting Yanks.

Connections: Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Damon have offseason homes in the Tampa Bay area. Rays closer Al Reyes pitched for the Yankees in 2003 and 1B Carlos Pena spent some of last season with the Yankees' Triple-A team. Rays bench coach Bobby Ramos briefly played for the Yankees in 1982.

Series history: The Yankees dominate the all-time series 108-52, including 7-5 this season. The Yankees have won four of six this season at Yankee Stadium and hold a 58-21 edge in the Bronx.

[Last modified August 30, 2007, 23:44:04]