Yankees 2, Angels 1
NEW YORK -- Hiroki Kuroda allowed three hits in eight innings as the New York Yankees opened a four-game series with the Los Angeles Angels by holding on for a 2-1 victory Monday night at Yankee Stadium.
Kuroda (11-7) allowed a leadoff double to Josh Hamilton in the second and an infield hit to Mike Trout to open the seventh.
The Angels other hit was a two-out double by Chris Iannetta in the eighth. Despite falling behind 3-1, Kuroda retired pinch hitter Hank Conger on a pop-out to shortstop Eduardo Nunez in shallow left field to end the Angels' threat.
Kuroda won for the fourth time in his last eight starts since July 7 and also turned in his major league leading ninth scoreless outing. He struck out seven, walked one and threw 70 of 107 pitches for strikes.
Boone Logan started the ninth by allowing J.B. Shuck's single that deflected off the first base bag. Logan struck out Kole Calhoun and the Yankees went to reliever David Robertson.
Robertson walked Trout on a full count and gave up an RBI single to Hamilton that just went over Alex Rodriguez's head into left field. After intentionally walking Erick Aybar, Robertson fanned Mark Trumbo on three straight fastballs and notched his sixth career save by fanning Chris Nelson on a high full-count fastball.
Brett Gardner, who had the game-winning hits in both wins over Detroit, had an RBI single in the third. Curtis Granderson's solo home run in the seventh was the difference.
Playing in his sixth game of the season, Rodriguez singled in his first at-bat. He also was caught stealing and grounded into two double plays.
Angels' starter Garrett Richards (3-5) went the distance for the first time, allowing two runs and seven hits.
The Angels lost for the 12th time in 17 games as they were shut out for the eighth time this season.
NOTES: Mariano Rivera was not used in Monday's victory. He said that the primary cause of his three straight blown saves was due to an inconsistent release point. ... The Yankees said that SS Derek Jeter (calf) began doing some tee and toss work in addition to his throwing. Jeter is expected to head to the team's minor league facility in Tampa Bay this week. ... Angels OF Peter Bourjos could return Tuesday from a fractured right wrist. Bourjos has been on the DL since June 29. ... LHP Jason Vargas will be activated by the Angels and start Tuesday. He has not started since June 17 after undergoing surgery on a blood clot in his left armpit area.
