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Igawa, Yankees look to get on a roll vs. Athletics

Jun 30, 2007 - 12:42 PM Oakland (40-39) at NY Yankees (38-39) 1:05 pm EDT

BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Yankees hope their play in the series opener against the Oakland Athletics will carry over to the middle contest of the three-game set when the teams meet on Saturday afternoon.

It was a rare performance Friday for the Yankees, who took a break from their sloppy play to eke out a close win behind stellar pitching and defense.

Mike Mussina tossed seven solid innings as New York scored both of its runs in the first inning en route to a 2-1 victory over Oakland in the opener of a 10-game homestand.

The Yankees won for just the second time in their last nine games but their bats also remained cold. Before Thursday's game in Baltimore was suspended in the eighth inning with the Yankees holding an 8-6 lead, their lineup had averaged 2.6 runs during that span.

They will look to get their second straight win when they send out struggling rookie Kei Igawa (2-1, 7.13 ERA), who will make his second start since being recalled from the minor leagues.

The lefthander allowed two runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings, striking out five and walking three in a 7-3 loss at the San Francisco Giants on June 22 - his first outing since being recalled.

He will be opposed by Chad Gaudin (6-3, 3.14), who yielded three runs and six hits in six frames, while striking out four and walking three in a 5-2 loss at Cleveland. Gaudin has not won since June 3 - his fifth straight victory at that point.

The Athletics have lost seven of their last eight games.