Yankees’ Big Rally Leads to 14-13 Win

The New York Yankees were down nine runs in the second inning, but Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter never stopped playing.

Posada hit a game-winning, two-run homer with two out in the ninth after withstanding a collision at the plate, and Jeter helped drive New York to a 14-13 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night at New York -- matching the biggest comeback in Yankees history.

“It’s hard to beat that one,” Manager Joe Torre said.

Jeter went four for five with a homer, four runs batted in and three runs. He also threw out a runner at the plate and stole third base.

Posada drove in five runs and dusted himself off after getting bowled over by Mark Teixeira in the sixth.

“Right now, I feel great. Back then, I didn’t feel too good about it,” Posada said. “It’s the hardest I’ve ever got hit. I know if I drop the ball, he would be safe. But he was not going to get the plate. I had it blocked. I never played football in my life, but that’s what I think it feels like.”

Mariano Rivera (1-2) got the win after giving up a go-ahead double to Rod Barajas in the top of the ninth.

The Yankees overcame a nine-run deficit for the fourth time in team history. The last time they did it was a 12-11 win in 10 innings against the rival Red Sox on June 26, 1987. Boston’s starter in that one was Roger Clemens. It was the largest lead Texas has squandered.

Oakland 12, Seattle 6 -- Adam Melhuse hit a grand slam, Nick Swisher also homered and the Athletics won at Oakland. Joe Blanton (4-4) ended a personal two-game skid and won his first game in May in his eighth start in the month.

Cleveland 6, Kansas City 4 -- Travis Hafner hit a game-winning, two-run homer in the ninth inning at Cleveland to give the Indians a 6-4 victory over the Royals. Cleveland ended a six-game losing streak. Kansas City’s fourth consecutive loss dropped the Royals to 2-18 on the road, tying the worst 20-game road start ever.

Detroit 7, Minnesota 4 -- Chris Shelton had a three-run double to help spark a five-run third inning for the Tigers, who won their fifth in a row at Detroit. The Tigers are 4-0 at home against Minnesota this season, outscoring the Twins, 40-5.

Boston 6, Baltimore 5 -- Curt Schilling (6-2) earned his sixth victory despite giving up three home runs, and the Red Sox got homers from Manny Ramirez and Trot Nixon and won at Baltimore. Boston has won 13th in a row against Baltimore, including eight in a row this season.

Tampa Bay 10, Chicago 7 -- Scott Kazmir (6-2) struck out eight in seven strong innings, and Ty Wigginton and Toby Hall hit consecutive homers to lead the Devil Rays to victory at St. Petersburg, Fla. The White Sox made it interesting by scoring six times in the eighth.