Fitting tribute to The Boss: Bronx Bombers win in 9th

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Nick Swisher provided the most fitting tribute to George Steinbrenner.

Swisher hit a game-winning single with two outs in the ninth inning and the New York Yankees ended a most emotional Friday evening by beating the visiting Tampa Bay Rays 5-4.

On a night when manager Joe Girardi cried, captain Derek Jeter's face went flush as he spoke to the crowd and closer Mariano Rivera placed two long-stemmed roses across home plate to remember Steinbrenner and beloved public address announcer Bob Sheppard, the Yankees won - what better way for them to honor their demanding owner?

Swisher hit a tying home run in the eighth, then lined a single that sent Curtis Granderson sliding home for the victory in a matchup of the teams with the best records in baseball.

Twins 7, White Sox 4: At Minneapolis, Francisco Liriano struck out eight and Minnesota snapped Chicago's nine-game winning streak.

Rangers 8, Red Sox 4: Bengie Molina hit for the cycle with a grand slam and triple in his last two at-bats and Texas won at Boston.

Athletics 5, Royals 1: Gio Gonzalez pitched seven crisp innings, leading Oakland at Kansas City.

Indians 8, Tigers 2: Andy Marte and Austin Kearns hit two-run homers to help host Cleveland beat Detroit.

Blue Jays 4, Orioles 2: Ricky Romero pitched seven solid innings, leading Toronto at Baltimore.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Nationals 4, Marlins 0: At Miami, Stephen Strasburg struck out seven in six innings, leading Washington past Florida.

Giants 1, Mets 0: Barry Zito struck out 10 and host San Francisco beat New York.

Padres 12, Diamondbacks 1: Jon Garland threw six efficient innings, leading host San Diego past Arizona.

Brewers 9, Braves 3: Ryan Braun's early two-run homer sparked Milwaukee at Atlanta.

Astros 5, Pirates 2: Jeff Keppinger homered and had three RBIs, leading Houston at Pittsburgh.

Cubs 4, Phillies 3: Aramis Ramirez homered in the eighth, rallying Chicago past visiting Philadelphia.

Reds 3, Rockies 2: Arthur Rhodes pitched out of a bases-loaded, none-out threat in the eighth, preserving Cincinnati's win over visiting Colorado.

Cardinals 8, Dodgers 4: Yadier Molina homered and drove in four runs, leading St. Louis past visiting Los Angeles.