Mussina Dominant in Yankees’ Victory

For Mike Mussina, it was important to finish what he started.

Mussina saved a struggling New York bullpen with a four-hitter Saturday, pitching the Yankees to a 5-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

The win ended a four-game losing streak and moved the Yankees out of a last-place tie with Tampa Bay, though they remained nine games behind first-place Baltimore.

Mussina (3-2) dominated the Athletics with the 22nd shutout of his career and first since Aug. 17, 2003 -- which was also the last complete-game victory by a Yankee pitcher. He struck out three, walked two and let only two runners reach second base.

“Finishing was obviously important to him,” Yankee Manager Joe Torre said. “He had command of the strike zone. He threw all his pitches and he was able to throw strikes.”

A loss would have left the Yankees with their fewest wins after 31 games since 1913, when they were 9-22.

“A well-pitched ballgame changes your personality,” Torre said. “It seems the ballclub takes on a different personality. There’s less tension. The defense is crisper. This was a good sign. It was a baby step because of the way we won. Hopefully, this will be our signature this year.”

Alex Rodriguez had three RBIs for the Yankees, who had only five hits against Joe Blanton (0-3) and two relievers.