Pettitte, Jeter spur Yankees past Rays, 5-0

NEW YORK — These were the kind of big plays and big pitches the New York Yankees needed from Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte. Jeter delivered with his bat and glove, backing a determined effort by Pettitte that sent the Yankees past the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, 5-0, last night. "People make a big deal, obviously, because it's Tampa," Jeter said. "Every game is big. We just so happen to be playing them." Playing smartly, and perhaps with a sense of urgency, the third-place Yankees avoided falling 9 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay. The Rays, with the best record in majors, lost two in row for the first time since June 10-11. "We know they are a good team. They can make a run at any time," Rays outfielder Carl Crawford said. "But it doesn't matter who we lose to. It's just a loss and we try to forget it and move on to the next... [read full story]