Yanks vs. Red Sox: Boston Massacre Part II

BOSTON (AP) - The New York Yankees celebrated in the dugout as if they'd just clinched a playoff berth.

In a way, they've done everything but.

Hugging and shaking hands after a demoralizing five-game sweep of the rival Red Sox, the Yankees took a season-high 6½-game lead in the AL East with a 2-1 victory over Boston on Monday. The Yankees hadn't swept Boston in five games in more than half a century.

"A sweep in Boston?" winning pitcher Cory Lidle said, pausing before breaking out in a big smile. "Pretty awesome."

After outscoring the Red Sox 47-25 in four games over three days and two early mornings, the Yankees rediscovered their pitching to win the sleepy series finale at Fenway Park.

"Everything went about as wrong as it could," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. Lidle (2-2) pitched six shutout innings in his third — and best — start since coming to New York at the trading deadline along with more-heralded slugger Bobby Abreu.

"It's been an emotional weekend," Red Sox second baseman Mark Loretta said. "It's been physically challenging and emotionally challenging for both sides. It's a little easier to take if you're winning."