Strawberry Keeps Yankees on Full Power

When Darryl Strawberry hits a home run, people notice.

Strawberry hit two home runs, including a 422-foot shot to center field, as the New York Yankees defeated the Chicago White Sox, 5-4, Friday night.

“When he starts using the whole field he’s a real threat,” Yankee Manager Joe Torre said. “Other guys hit the ball to center and you just yawn. That ball was crushed.”

Strawberry’s 15th homer against left-handed reliever Bryan Ward (0-1) helped the Yankees improve baseball’s best record to 72-25. It was Strawberry’s second multihomer game this season and the 30th of his career.

“I give most of the credit to the legs. Running, feeling stronger,” Strawberry said. “I’m finally getting to the point where I can get to the plate and feel comfortable,”

The White Sox were leading, 4-3, in the sixth inning when White Sox starter John Snyder walked Chad Curtis with two outs and Strawberry followed with his homer to center.

“No doubt you have to go with Ward,” White Sox Manager Jerry Manuel said. “That’s his role here. He left a 3-2 fastball up and Strawberry really hit it.”

Andy Pettitte (13-6) gave up four runs and eight hits in seven innings. Ramiro Mendoza worked the eighth and Mariano Rivera pitched the ninth for his 26th save.