MLB

Granderson’s homer helps Yankees blank Rays

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Curtis Granderson backed a solid pitching performance by Freddy Garcia with a two-run homer, leading the Yankees to a 4-0 victory over the Rays tonight.

Garcia (8-7) scattered eight hits, struck out seven and walked none over 6 2-3 innings. The right-hander worked out of tight spots with runners in scoring position four times and reliever Boone Logan bailed him out of a fifth.

Granderson homered off David Price (9-8) in the first inning. David Robertson pitched a 1-2-3 eighth for the Yankees, and Mariano Rivera added a perfect ninth in a non-save situation to finish the combined shutout.

Price, who is 20-6 all-time against AL East opponents, allowed two runs and six hits in 7 1-3 innings.