"We have to play better. I know we played some pretty good teams, but we're going to have to beat the good teams if we're going to be able to get to the playoffs," Damon said.
Kevin Slowey (9-8) worked the corners of the strike zone over six innings for Minnesota, surrendering three hits, one run, and one walk against a lineup missing Derek Jeter (bruised instep). Joe Nathan sealed the victory in the ninth with his 32d save, and the Yankees went 17 for 80 with runners in scoring position on the trip.
While praising Slowey, Damon gave the perfect summary of his team's struggles during this injury-filled, inconsistent season. "It seemed like he had an easy time with us, and nobody should have an easy time with us," Damon said.
The Twins and their overworked bullpen, threatening to negatively affect their own pennant chase, held on. After a run scored on a wild pitch by Dennys Reyes in the eighth, Jesse Crain came in and retired Alex Rodriguez on a flyout with men on first and third.
Rays 3, Athletics 2 - Eric Hinske had three hits, including a home run, and Ben Zobrist doubled in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning as Tampa Bay won in Oakland.
Carlos Peña hit a home run for the first-place Rays, who have won four of five and 10 of 14.
Dodgers 7, Phillies 6 - Nomar Garciaparra hit a one-out homer in the bottom of the ninth, lifting Los Angeles to a come-from-behind victory over Philadelphia and into a first-place tie with Arizona in the NL West.
Garciaparra lined a 2-and-1 pitch from Clay Condrey (3-3) just over the fence in left field for his sixth homer and first since July 26. Garciaparra was playing his second game since coming off the disabled list.
Manny Ramírez and Andre Ethier also homered for the Dodgers, as their relievers held the Phillies to one hit and no runs over the final six innings.
Cubs sweep Braves, 10-2, 8-0 - Rich Harden pitched five sharp innings, Kosuke Fukodome drove in two runs with two hits, and Chicago beat Atlanta to complete its first sweep of a road doubleheader since 1992.
Geovany Soto and Jim Edmonds homered and Jason Marquis defeated his old team as the Cubs routed the Braves in the first game.
