Bronx, NY -- Phil Hughes continued a solid June with eight scoreless innings, and the New York Yankees withstood a late Indians rally to post a 6-4 victory at Yankee Stadium.

Hughes (8-6) allowed six hits in his first scoreless outing of the year for the Yankees, who continue to win at a torrid pace. New York has now won four straight, 14 of 17 and 18 of 23 in June to move comfortably into first place in the AL East.

The Yanks' starting pitching has been the major reason for the success, and Hughes has been no stranger to it. Now a winner in four of his five starts this month, Hughes has allowed two or fewer runs in each of the four aforementioned victories.

Alex Rodriguez hit his 642nd career home run, and Rafael Soriano had to clean up a late mess and earned his 16th save with only two pitches.

Jose Lopez hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning for the Indians, who have now lost four straight, a season-worst. Justin Masterson (4-7) was worked into many deep counts and allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks in six innings.

 

The Sports Network