It wasn't a save situation, but with an off day tomorrow, Girardi wanted to keep Mo sharp.

Phil Hughes won his 9th game in 10 decisions but gave up five runs in the process. He struggled a bit especially in the sixth when the Astros erupted for four runs. A bloop double put runners on second and third and Manzella battled by continually fouling off pitches until he grounded a single threw the hole for two runs. Kevin Cash then blasted a two run home run to bring the Astros to within two runs.

The Yankees would add two insurance runs and Joba pitched a solid eighth inning prior to Mo's appearance.

In the ninth, Mo got Kevin Cash to bounce back to the mound and then caught Michael Bourn looking prior to ringing up Jeff Keppinger swinging to end the game.

Rivera is 0-1 on the season with 15 saves in 16 save opportunities and his season ERA now stands at 1.21.

The Yankee win coupled with a Rays loss now brings the Yankees and Rays to a flat footed tie for first place in the AL East.

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