Lester and Gonzalez lead Sox over Yanks

NEW YORK — Jon Lester shut down the Yankees' offense for seven innings, Adrian Gonzalez provided an early lead with a two-run homer and the Boston Red Sox beat New York 4-1 Saturday for a badly needed win.

Yankees nemesis Pedro Ciriaco was 4 for 4, raising his average against New York this year to .517 (15 for 29), and Boston reliever Craig Breslow and catcher Ryan Lavarnway became what is thought to be the first all-Yale battery in the major leagues since 1883.

The fourth-place Red Sox won for just the fourth time in 11 games as they try to right their foundering season.

Lester (7-10) won consecutive starts for the first time since mid-May, allowing five hits with four strikeouts. Curtis Granderson homered in the fourth for the Yankees' only run.

TORONTO — Nelson Cruz hit a two-run homer, Joe Nathan converted his team-record 22nd straight save opportunity and the Texas Rangers beat the Toronto Blue Jays.

Nathan broke the Rangers mark he shared with Francisco Cordero, who was successful on 21 chances in a row in 2004. Nathan was the sixth pitcher for Texas.

DETROIT — Chris Davis hit a three-run homer and the Baltimore Orioles snapped the Detroit Tigers' four-game winning streak with a victory.

Adam Jones and Matt Wieters opened the seventh inning with consecutive singles off Rick Porcello (9-8). Davis then drove a 1-1 pitch over the wall in left for his 19th homer, snapping the scoreless tie.

Zach Britton (2-1) struck out five in seven sparkling innings and Jim Johnson got three outs for his 36th save.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mike Moustakas hit a three-run shot and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox, overcoming Adam Dunn's 400th career homer.

Moustakas connected in the eighth and drove in four runs for the Royals, who have won four of five. Alcides Escobar had four infield singles, scored three runs and had his team-leading 24th steal.