Yankees Hold Off the Red Sox, 8-6

Kyle Farnsworth couldn’t have put himself in a much scarier situation -- bases loaded and Big Papi at the plate.

Farnsworth struck out David Ortiz in the eighth -- the fourth time the slugger struck out Wednesday night -- and New York held on to beat the Red Sox, 8-6, at Boston, overcoming another rocky outing by Randy Johnson.

“If you make pitches against anybody, you can get them out,” Farnsworth said. “He’s definitely been labeled a Yankee killer.”

Melky Cabrera, in only his 18th major league game, had two-run singles in four-run rallies in the second and fifth. Cabrera, who had one career run batted in before getting four Wednesday, batted leadoff in place of Johnny Damon, who sat out because of an injured foot.

The Yankees also played without catcher Jorge Posada, who has an injured hamstring, but still won their second straight game despite two long homers by Manny Ramirez.

Johnson (6-4) gave up at least five runs for the sixth time in eight starts. He retired nine of the last 10 he faced before leaving after five innings. Despite his solid finish, his earned-run average rose from 5.62 to 5.89.

Chicago 3, Oakland 2 -- Mark Buehrle got his third straight win, giving up six hits in seven innings as the White Sox completed a three-game sweep at Chicago.

Jim Thome and Rob Mackowiak had key run-scoring singles and the White Sox made several good plays behind Buehrle, who gave up one unearned run. He has not given up an earned run in 21 innings.

Detroit 6, Kansas City 3 -- Omar Infante hit his first two homers of the season and drove in three runs at Kansas City, Mo., to help stretch the Royals’ losing streak to 12 games.

Brandon Inge also homered and Ivan Rodriguez had three hits for the Tigers, who lead the AL with 39 road homers.

Cleveland 11, Minnesota 0 -- C.C. Sabathia pitched a six-hitter and Casey Blake homered twice at Minneapolis.

Sabathia pitched his second straight complete game and his third career shutout.

Tampa Bay 10, Toronto 8 -- Carl Crawford had a career-high five hits, scored five runs and stole four bases for the Devil Rays at Toronto.

Seattle 7, Baltimore 4 -- Richie Sexson drove in three runs at Seattle and Jarrod Washburn got his first win in May.