Eaton, Padres Stop Yankees

Adam Eaton pitched seven strong innings, Phil Nevin hit a three-run homer and the San Diego Padres capitalized on Mike Mussina’s early departure to beat the New York Yankees, 10-2, Friday night.

Mussina left after three innings because of tightness in his right groin. He came out as a precaution, the Yankees said. His injury occurred only two days after Kevin Brown left his start against Colorado because of a strained back.

“Whether we want to admit it or not, not having to face him for the rest of the game is an added bonus,” Eaton said.

Nevin homered in the ninth inning, and Mark Loretta had two doubles, an RBI and three runs scored for the Padres, who jumped on reliever Felix Heredia (0-1) in the fourth to break a 1-1 tie. San Diego beat New York in its first game at Yankee Stadium since losing Game 2 of the 1998 World Series.

The Yankees lost their first interleague game since being no-hit by six Houston pitchers exactly a year ago. They had won 13 consecutive interleague games.

Eaton (3-6) has won consecutive starts after losing six consecutive decisions. He gave up four hits and two runs while striking out four and walking three. Akinori Otsuka pitched two perfect innings for his second save.

Mussina struck out four of his first six batters and seemed to be on his way to another strong start before the injury.

After Alex Rodriguez gave the Yankees an early lead with a homer to right in the first inning, the Padres scored on an infield hit, a stolen base and two errors.

Kerry Robinson got the first hit off Mussina with one out in the third and stole second. He advanced to third when catcher Jorge Posada’s throw hit him sliding into the bag. Robinson then scored after left fielder Hideki Matsui’s throw hit second base and bounced back into the outfield.