SECOND COMING: Nick Swisher, who went 3-for-4, delivers an RBI single to center to cap the Yankees’ three-run second inning. (Getty Images)
CLEVELAND — Thanks to the Republican Party’s high-end mixer in Tampa and the inept Indians at Progressive Field yesterday, the Yankees added the minimum amount of oxygen to their breathing room atop the AL East.
Because of the Republican National Convention, the second–place Rays were idle yesterday while the Yankees faced the dregs of the American League.
In what only could be labeled a “must-win,’’ the Yankees topped the Indians 4-2 in front of 26,166.
The victory featured strong relief work by Boone Logan, David Robertson and Rafael Soriano, who took a liner off the palm of his throwing hand in the ninth.
“I feel good right now, I have to wait until [today],’’ said Soriano, who posted his 33rd save by recording the final four outs, the last one after the liner. “I know it will be sore a little bit.’’
The Yankees’ lead over the Rays swelled to four games after it was 2 1/2 going into Friday night.
Nick Swisher’s hot streak continued with three hits, and Curtis Granderson popped his 200th career homer and 33rd this season.
Though the Yankees took two of three from the lowly Indians, they went home with an unacceptable 2-4 trip after starting by being swept three games in Chicago.
“We need to turn it around and play better when we get home,’’ said Joe Girardi, whose club opens a three-game series with the last-place Blue Jays tonight at Yankee Stadium. “Put together a good homestand and continue to win series.”
Staked to a 3-0 lead in the second, Freddy Garcia couldn’t go the required five innings for the victory. With runners on first and third, two outs and the Yankees leading 3-2 in the fifth, Girardi summoned Logan from the pen.
“He decided to take me out, nothing I can do about it,’’ said Garcia, who allowed two runs and four hits and wasn’t shocked to be hooked. “He is the manager and it’s his decision. The good thing is we got the win.’’
Logan retired five of the six batters he faced. Robertson put down four of five. With his bullpen rested thanks to CC Sabathia going seven-plus innings Friday and Hiroki Kuroda the distance Saturday, Girardi felt he could extend the relievers.
“Their lineup dictated it, and it’s an important game,’’ Girardi said. “We are going down the stretch here and they were rested. I am never going to abuse guys, but they were rested. I felt like I could do it today.’’
Granderson’s first homer in eight days led off the sixth and upped the Yankees’ lead to 4-2. Swisher, Ichiro Suzuki and Derek Jeter also drove in a run each.
Taking two of three from a very bad team is OK because losing the series would have sent Yankees fans into panic.
Now the Blue Jays, a team crushed by injuries, await in The Bronx and provide the Yankees a chance to further separate themselves from the Rays.
It stands to reason the Yankees will have to score more than the eight runs they scored in three games against the Indians to take two of three from the Blue Jays.
However, just like it was against the Indians, the Yankees have to win two of three to keep the panic buzzards from circling.
george.king@nypost.com