Ivan Nova was more than respectable on Sunday afternoon in Chicago. The rookie pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed only one run while striking out seven, walking one and giving up five hits. He was relieved by Kerry Wood, Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera.

The Yankees got runs in the 2nd and 3rd and that was all there was. Gavin Floyd also pitched well. Marcus Thames hit a home run in the 2nd inning and Brett Gardner grounded an RBI single to center field in the third for the two Yankeee runs.

Thames had five home runs on the six game road trip and 8 RBI.

In the ninth, Rivera faced pinch hitter Carlos Quentin even though he is a right handed hitter. It only took one pitch and Quentin grounded to short for the first out. Gordon Beckham battled for nine pitches and eventually received a rare walk from Mo. Juan Pierre grounded to second and Cano forced Beckham with a throw to Jeter. Pierre tried to run on the first pitch to Omar Vizquel but he popped out foul to Cervelli to end the game.

For Rivera the save was his 27th in 29 save opportunities and the 553rd of his career. His 2010 season ERA now stands at 1.13.

The Yankees now head home for their longest home stand of the season. Tampa plays Boston tonight. The Yankees could do no worse than return home in a tie for first place in the A.L. East.

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