NEW YORK — These were the kind of big plays and big pitches the New York Yankees needed from Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte.

Jeter delivered with his bat and glove, backing a determined effort by Pettitte that sent the Yankees past the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, 5-0, last night.

"People make a big deal, obviously, because it's Tampa," Jeter said. "Every game is big. We just so happen to be playing them."

Playing smartly, and perhaps with a sense of urgency, the third-place Yankees avoided falling 9 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay. The Rays, with the best record in majors, lost two in row for the first time since June 10-11.

"We know they are a good team. They can make a run at any time," Rays outfielder Carl Crawford said. "But it doesn't matter who we lose to. It's just a loss and we try to forget it and move on to the next game."

Coming off two tight wins over Boston, and about to head into the All-Star break, the Yankees counted on two of their veterans to turn back the young Rays.

"We knew the importance of the game," manager Joe Girardi said.

Jeter lined an early go-ahead double off All-Star Scott Kazmir, then made a stellar, spinning play in the seventh inning that preserved a two-run lead and prompted a sellout crowd to chant his name. Pettitte needed little other help in scattering four hits over eight sharp innings.

"It was a big game for us," Pettitte said. "These guys are ahead of us. They're playing with a lot of confidence."

Rays manager Joe Maddon noted before the first pitch the increased attention on this two-game set created "an October feel." He said his team would merely treat it as another series — the Yankees, in their 90th game this season, saw it as chance to make up ground.

Pettitte (10-6) returned to form, giving up only four hits and walking none. He was focused from the start, often standing with his glove in front of his face, even while Tampa Bay hitters stepped out of the batter's box.

Pettitte was hit hard by Boston in his last outing and called that performance "horrible" and "terrible."

This time, the Rays barely had a chance as Pettitte improved to 15-4 lifetime against them. Pettitte retired the first two batters on two pitches, and was on his way.

When Tampa Bay had a late glimmer of hope, Jeter extinguished it.

Down 2-0, Tampa Bay put runners at the corners with two outs in the seventh. Willy Aybar hit a grounder in the hole that Jeter tracked down, and the All-Star shortstop jumped, spun and made a strong toss from several steps onto the outfield grass that forced out Dioner Navarro at second base.

"I knew I had a chance," Jeter said after his signature play. "As long as you get to it quick and get rid of it quick."

Pettitte wildly waved his left fist in celebration, and several of Jeter's teammates waited to salute their captain near the pitcher's mound.

Reliever Edwar Ramirez pitched a hitless ninth for New York.

RED SOX 6, TWINS 5

BOSTON — Manny Ramirez hit a game-tying two-run homer and one out later, Kevin Youkilis doubled and scored on a single to center by Brandon Moss to cap a four-run bottom of the eighth inning that lifted Boston over Minnesota.

David Aardsma (3-2) got the final two outs in the eighth for the win. Jonathan Papelbon escaped trouble in the ninth for his 27th save.

TIGERS 9, INDIANS 2

DETROIT — Miguel Cabrera hit two homers, Marcus Thames had one and Justin Verlander was dominant after a shaky start to help Detroit hand Cleveland its ninth straight loss.

Verlander (6-9), who allowed two runs in the first, gave up seven hits and struck out seven in seven innings.

BLUE JAYS 7, ORIOLES 6

TORONTO — Alex Rios scored the winning run for Toronto when Baltimore shortstop Freddie Bynum misplayed a grounder in the bottom of the ninth.

Rios drew a one-out walk off Jim Johnson (2-3), then stole second and went to third on a throwing error by catcher Ramon Hernandez as Vernon Wells struck out. Matt Stairs was intentionally walked to bring up Scott Rolen, who lined a grounder off Bynum's glove and into left field, scoring Rios.

RANGERS 3, ANGELS 2

ARLINGTON, Texas — After Ian Kinsler doubled in the sixth to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 20 games, Josh Hamilton singled him home for his major league-leading 87th RBI as Texas beat Los Angeles.

Texas closer C.J. Wilson loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth before getting Juan Rivera to ground out for his 22nd save.

WHITE SOX 8, ROYALS 7

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With one out in the 13th, Alexei Ramirez reached on an infield single, his career-high fourth hit, and scored on Orlando Cabrera's double to right-center off Robinson Tejada (0-1), helping Chicago beat Kansas City.

Nick Masset (1-0) coaxed a game-ending double play from Mark Grudzielanek with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 13th.

ATHLETICS 2, MARINERS 0

OAKLAND, Calif. — Justin Duchscherer (10-5) retired the side in order six times, including the ninth inning, faced only three batters over the minimum and threw a two-hitter for his first career complete game to lead Oakland past Seattle.

Duchscherer allowed a two-out double to Richie Sexson in the fifth and a leadoff single to Miguel Cairo in the sixth. Sexson reached base on a two-base throwing error by Oakland catcher Kurt Suzuki in the third.