The Yankees got the Anaheim monkey off their backs for at least one night. They hadn't won a game in Anaheim all year and it looked like they were going to blow a 5-0 lead, but clutch pitching from Phil Hughes kept the game tied at five.

With two run home runs from A-Rod and Posada the Yankees jumped out to a 4-0 lead. Matsui would add his 28th of the season to extend the lead to 5-0. However, Gaudin and Aceves gave all but one run of the lead back and Phil Hughes was summoned in the 7th inning. Hughes got two ground balls to end the seventh and preserve a one run lead.

In the eighth Cano made a crucial error on an Kendrick grounder and he reached first with none out. He stole second and Posada's throw was wild sending him to third with no one out. Hughes eventually gave up the lead on an Aybar single but then closed the door without any further damage.

In the ninth Brett Gardner led off with a single and on an 1-0 pitch stole second even though the Angels pitched out. Jeter walked and Damon bunted them over on a two strike pitch. Texeira was walked and A-Rod lined a sacrifice fly to center on the first pitch to give the Yankees the lead at 6-5.

In the ninth it looked like Kendry Morales was struck out on a 3-2 pitch but it was called a ball and Anaheim had the lead runner on. Juan Rivera then struck out and Posada got pinch runner Reggie Willits stealing on the play for the second out of the inning. Aybar grounded the first pitch to second to end the game.

The save for Rivera is his 41st on the season in 43 save opportunities and the 523rd of his career. His season ERA now stands at 1.91.

With the Texas Rangers losing earlier the Yankees clinched at least a Wild Card playoff berth. The Red Sox lost to Zack Greinke and the Royals which reduced the Yankees magic number for clinching the AL East to six.

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