Yankees Complete a Dramatic Sweep

Bloodied and bruised, Derek Jeter showed why the New York Yankees always seem to come out ahead of Boston.

The shortstop made one of the greatest defensive plays of his career Thursday night, hurtling headfirst into the stands for a catch to end the 12th inning. While he was on his way to a hospital, the Yankees rallied past the Red Sox, 5-4, in the 13th for a three-game sweep at New York.

Manny Ramirez homered twice, including a leadoff shot in the top of the 13th. But with two out in the bottom half, Miguel Cairo hit a tying double and scored on pinch-hitter John Flaherty’s single.

The Yankees extended their American League East lead over Boston to 8 1/2 games.

With runners at second and third and two out, pinch-hitter Trot Nixon sliced a pop down the left-field line. Jeter took off running and made the catch in fair territory, then went sprawling full-tilt into the crowd.

Jeter emerged after a minute, a trainer holding a towel to his chin. He left with a bruised right cheek, a cut on his chin and a banged-up right shoulder.

“He says he’s playing tomorrow. That’s the way Derek is, he has that intensity,” Yankee catcher Jorge Posada said.

Because of Jeter’s departure, Alex Rodriguez, moving from third base, played shortstop for the Yankees for the first time, and Gary Sheffield moved from right field to play third base for the first time since 1993.

Baltimore 3, Kansas City 2 -- Rafael Palmeiro homered and David Newhan drove in the go-ahead run in a three-run seventh inning at Kansas City, Mo., leading the Orioles to their first series victory since late May.

Seattle 8, Texas 4 -- Australian left-hander Travis Blackley won his major league debut and Randy Winn drove in three runs as the Mariners won at Seattle.

Cleveland 7, Detroit 6 -- Jody Gerut homered in the 10th inning at Detroit and the Indians ended the Tigers’ six-game winning streak.

Toronto 14, Tampa Bay 0 -- Eric Hinske drove in three runs and had three of the Blue Jays’ season-high 20 hits in a victory over the Devil Rays at St. Petersburg, Fla.

Chicago 2, Minnesota 1 -- Carlos Lee hit a two-run homer and Jon Garland (6-5) pitched seven strong innings at Minneapolis as the White Sox completed a three-game sweep of the Twins.