Yankees rally in eighth to avoid Jays' sweep

TORONTO (Reuters) - The New York Yankees rallied to score four runs in the eighth inning to post a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays and avoid a third successive loss on Sunday.

Derek Jeter hit an RBI double to start the eighth inning charge and New York (35-22) tied the game by scoring on a wild pitch from reliever Scott Downs who was charged with the loss.

Toronto (33-25) starter Brandon Morrow struck out eight batters and held the Yankees scoreless through seven innings, but exited in the eighth after hitting Francisco Cervelli.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi was also ejected in the eighth for arguing a check swing strike call with Nick Swisher at the plate.

"I was really frustrated by that call, because that's a big call in that game," Girardi told reporters. "I threw my hat when he called it, and I didn't go back to get it."

Bench coach Tony Pena replaced Girardi.

The Blue Jays got one run back in the eighth where Fred Lewis hit an RBI single, but New York brought on left-hander Damaso Marte for the final out and Mariano Rivera pitched the ninth for his 13th save of the season.

During a confusing play with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Pena motioned for pitcher Joba Chamberlain to be replaced causing Rivera to jog onto the field.

But shortly after, the umpires huddled and said it was Marte who had been called to pitch, sending Rivera back to the bullpen.

"We were supposed to bring Mariano in the game, and on the way out I just changed my mind," Pena said.

"I wanted to go with Marte."

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; editing by Pritha Sarkar/Greg Stutchbury)