Yankees edge Orioles
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Freddy Garcia returned from the disabled list run homer, as 2, to conclude a four-game series.
Garcia (11-7), who hadn't pitched since August 7 due to a lacerated right index finger, allowed just two hits, including a solo homer to Mark Reynolds, and had four strikeouts. Garcia won his fourth straight decision.
Mariano Rivera retired the side in order in the ninth for his 34th save of the year.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Yankees won despite playing without shortstop Derek Jeter and third baseman Alex Rodriguez, and moved within 1 1/2 games of the Red Sox for first place in the AL East. The Yankees start a three-game series in Boston Tuesday.
Rodriguez was sent back to New York on Monday for an MRI on his jammed left thumb, while Jeter sat out due to a bruised right knee.
J.J. Hardy also went deep for the Orioles, who have lost two in a row since a six-game winning streak.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Alfredo Simon (4-7) had six strikeouts over seven innings, but lost for the third time in his last four decisions.